Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (April 1, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah is launching Los Donantes as a new outreach effort focused on encouraging blood donation in Utah’s Latino community and building greater awareness about the ongoing need for blood donors.
Los Donantes (The Donors) will run through June 30 and comes as the Red Cross prepares for the seasonal challenges that often affect blood donation in the months ahead. Spring travel, changing routines and the transition into summer can all make it harder to maintain a stable blood supply.
“Blood donation is a constant need, and it is important that the Red Cross keeps finding new ways to connect with communities across Utah,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Los Donantes is about building awareness, encouraging participation and making sure more people see blood donation as something that matters in their community.”
A Focus on Awareness and Participation
Los Donantes is intended to help the Red Cross reach more Latino donors in Utah with messaging that feels familiar, relevant and community-centered. The effort will include outreach during the spring and early summer as the Red Cross works to encourage more people to donate blood.
Nearly 60% of Latino people have type O-positive blood, making blood donation in these communities especially important. O-positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and is compatible with about 85% of patients.
As part of Los Donantes, people who give blood at the Salt Lake Blood Donation Center from May 1 through May 17 will receive a Los Donantes T-shirt, while supplies last. Inspired by traditional Mexican lotería cards, the design features two blood donors in a lotería-style image that brings a familiar visual element to the message about the importance of blood donation.
How to Donate
Blood donation appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O, A-negative and B-negative blood. O-negative, the universal blood type, is critical in emergencies. B-negative, found in less than 2% of the population, and A-negative, found in only 6%, are both rare. Patients with these blood types can only receive transfusions from donors with the same type or O-negative blood.
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.
