Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 3, 2024) — Unforgiving winter weather led to an unprecedented 534 American Red Cross blood drive cancellations last month nationwide, topping the number of the total weather-induced cancellations for all of last year. This has resulted in over 15,000 uncollected blood donations, intensifying an already critical supply deficit.
These cancellations underscore the urgent need for increased blood donations both nationally and in Utah. “Given the milder weather in Utah this week, we’re asking our community members to schedule an appointment and donate blood,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “The high number of cancellations last month has continued to strain the Red Cross blood supply. We rely on community support to ensure hospitals have the needed supply of lifesaving blood.”
Critical need for donations
The Red Cross is currently facing a nationwide emergency blood shortage, triggered by the lowest number of donors in two decades. Hospital demand for blood is outpacing the rate of donations. “To overcome this shortage, the Red Cross needs to collect an additional 8,000 blood donations per week across the country for several weeks,” added Lafranca.
Locally, three blood drives were cancelled last month. However, as we experience warmer weather, we can all play a role in replenishing the blood supply. The Red Cross of Utah strongly encourages Utahns to schedule a donation appointment. Donors can secure their spot using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
While all blood types are needed, there is an urgent demand for platelet donors and type O blood donors. Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, while type O negative is the universal blood type, used in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Platelets, the clotting portion of blood required by many trauma and cancer patients, must be transfused within five days of donation.
Host a blood drive
The Red Cross of Utah invites businesses, churches, schools and community groups to host blood drives. Teaming up with the Red Cross to organize and host a blood drive provides an opportunity to give back to the community and make a significant difference. The Red Cross offers planning assistance and recruitment tools to help ensure your drive attracts donors. On the day of the drive, the Red Cross supplies equipment, materials and trained staff. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/host-a-drive.
Amazon gift card reward
If immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for future dates to help maintain a steady blood supply. All those who donate blood, platelets or plasma from February 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart 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.