Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LOGAN, Utah (August 17, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah is partnering with the First Presbyterian Church of Logan to host a crucial blood drive at the church, 178 W. Center St., Wed., Aug. 24, from 1-7 p.m. A summer decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink by nearly 20% in recent weeks nationwide. Type O negative blood and platelet donors are especially needed.

“Without donations now, the availability of blood products will continue to decline, and we must ensure that the supply is there when it’s needed,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter.

“In the United States, 62% of the population is eligible to give blood but only 3% does. Any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could be in an accident or become ill some day and need blood,” he said. “By choosing to give now, donors help boost the future blood supply and help those already in need of emergency lifesaving care or dependent on transfusions for medical treatment.”

The Aug. 24 blood drive will benefit Logan and surrounding communities, along with the entire state of Utah, according to Smauldon. “I know the residents of Cache County appreciate the importance of blood drives and will sign up to donate next Wednesday. We have seen how enthusiastically they have answered the call in the past.”

Chance to fuel up on us
As blood and platelet donations have dropped, gas prices have reached all-time highs. To help with both problems, those who donate at any Red Cross donor event in August will be automatically entered for a chance to win free gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. August donors will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*  Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/GasForAYear.

Get more information or schedule an appointment to donate
Go to redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code FIRSTPRESBYTERIAN.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/fuel for details.