Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org I 385-584-7610
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 7, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Utah is proud to recognize its exceptional team of blood donation professionals and volunteers as part of National Blood Collectors Week, Sept. 7-13. This annual celebration honors the vital work of nurses, phlebotomists, donor recruiters and volunteers who make lifesaving blood donations possible.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Blood Collectors Week, and the Red Cross of Utah is honoring the local heroes who help ensure the blood supply remains safe and readily available for patients in need of lifesaving blood.
“Our dedicated professionals and volunteers here in Utah are a vital part of our lifesaving mission,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “From checking a donor in, to the actual blood collection, and even sitting with a donor as they recover, our staff is there every step of the way, creating a comfortable environment. Building that type of trust keeps donors coming back and allows us to better support the local blood supply.”
A Critical Time for Blood Donations
National Blood Collectors Week comes at a crucial time, as many communities on the East Coast prepare for hurricane season and unpredictable weather. Recent heavy rainfall and flooding across the country have already disrupted hundreds of blood drives, putting additional strain on the nation’s blood supply.
“Our state plays a pivotal role in blood collections,” Ruster added. “Those of us living in areas not affected by disasters can lend a helping hand by donating blood to support patients across the country.”
The Red Cross Blood Collections Team
The Red Cross employs over 5,500 blood and platelet collections team members who work at blood drives and donation centers nationwide. These professionals work in partnership with the Red Cross’s extensive volunteer network, which includes people who transport processed blood products to local hospitals.
The Red Cross plays a critical role in sustaining the nation’s blood supply, collecting approximately 40% of all donated blood in the U.S. To meet the needs of patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments, the organization must collect 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day to supply over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Help Prevent an Emerging Nationwide Blood Shortage
Donating is simple and convenient. Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Celebrate with PEANUTS® and the Red Cross
To inspire giving around Labor Day, the American Red Cross and PEANUTS® are once again teaming up to thank donors. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of PEANUTS, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma from Aug. 29 to Sept. 21, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag featuring one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for more details.
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.
