Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
Lily.mccormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610
LAS VEGAS (April 21, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is proud to honor the remarkable contributions of our dedicated laboratory team during the 50th anniversary of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, celebrated this year from April 20-26, 2025. This annual observance recognizes the essential role of laboratory professionals in healthcare, particularly in ensuring the safety and availability of the nation’s blood supply.
The specialized work of medical laboratory professionals ensures that every blood donation collected by the Red Cross undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee its safety for transfusions. These experts play a pivotal role in diagnosing diseases, supporting treatments, and saving lives.
Unsung Heroes Behind Every Lifesaving Blood Transfusion
The process required to safely transfer blood from the donor to the patient is all done by the hard-working laboratory personnel. Every blood donation collected is brought into the labs where staff work to prepare them for a quick and safe transfusion.
“The American Red Cross is renowned for delivering lifesaving blood products across the country,” said Aaron Adams, Biomedical Laboratory Director of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Our laboratory professionals are the unsung heroes who make this possible. From processing donations to performing over a dozen meticulous tests on every unit of blood, they ensure that each product meets the highest safety standards. Their dedication doesn’t take a day off—not on weekends, not on holidays. They work tirelessly so that patients in need, whether in Nevada or across the nation, have access to lifesaving transfusions.”
Expanding Community Impact and Blood Safety
Nationwide, the Red Cross employs over 2,200 laboratory and manufacturing professionals across 116 labs, manufacturing and distribution facilities to meet the rising demand for blood. Their efforts directly impact countless lives—from trauma victims and cancer patients to individuals with chronic illnesses. Each year Red Cross laboratory medical professionals help process, test and distribute over 6.3 million blood products.
“Southern Nevada is home to one of the most committed groups of blood donors," Adams added. "This collective generosity, combined with the expertise of our laboratory teams, creates an inspiring network of hope for patients in need.”
Celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week by Donating Blood
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada encourages residents to schedule a blood donation appointment this week to support a consistent blood supply. Appointments can be conveniently booked through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/Give-Blood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) If immediate slots are unavailable, donors are encouraged to book future appointments to help maintain a steady blood supply.
Special Incentives for Donors
All blood donors who give in April will be automatically entered into the Springtime of Giving Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Donors who give between April 14-30, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. For full details on these exciting incentives, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.
About Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, established in 1975 by the American Society for Medical Technology, now known as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Supported by 17 national clinical laboratory organizations, it recognizes the critical contributions of laboratory professionals in healthcare while educating the public about their essential work. This week also serves as a platform to address industry challenges and inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
