Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 29, 2025) — This Labor Day weekend, the American Red Cross of Utah is giving Utahns the chance to make a lifesaving impact. Blood donation centers across the state will be open Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day, providing a critical opportunity to help ensure hospitals have the blood supply they need during one of the busiest times of the year.
The summer months, particularly around holiday weekends like Labor Day, typically see a significant drop in blood donations as people celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the school year. At the same time, the need for blood often increases due to accidents and medical emergencies. The National Safety Council’s analysis is projecting 424 traffic-related deaths and over 48,000 injuries nationwide during the holiday weekend.
“Labor Day is a time to relax and enjoy, but it’s also a time to reflect on how we can support one another,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Donating blood this weekend is a simple yet powerful way to give back. Your donation could be the difference between life and death for someone in need.”
Labor Day Weekend Donation Hours and Locations
Utah residents are encouraged to visit the following donation centers during the holiday weekend:
Salt Lake Donation Center
6616 South 900 East
Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lehi Donation Center
310 North 850 East
Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Layton Donation Center
852 W. Hill Field Rd.
Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Donating is easy. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor codes SaltLakeCityUT, LaytonUT or LehiUT to make an appointment at one of the donation centers.
To inspire giving around Labor Day, the American Red Cross and PEANUTS® are once again joining forces to reward blood 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 with one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for details.
Urgent Need for Type O and B Negative Blood
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urging those with Type O and Type B negative blood to donate. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, compatible with 85% of patients, while Type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies. Type B negative is rare, found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from B negative or O negative donors.
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. To meet patient needs, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
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.
