Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 24, 2024) — Widespread winter storms across the United States have led to the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in more than 15,000 uncollected blood donations nationwide. Amid an ongoing emergency blood shortage, the Red Cross of Utah is urging the community to donate and help maintain a steady blood supply both locally and nationally.
In January alone, over 450 Red Cross blood drives were canceled, including three in Utah. To recover from the current blood shortage, the Red Cross must collect an additional 8,000 blood donations each week nationwide over the next few weeks. Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, emphasizes, “Donating blood is a simple yet powerful act that can save lives. We urge Utahns to make a positive impact in our community and the nation by answering this urgent call to donate blood.”
Critical Blood Shortage Aggravated by Weather Conditions
The cancellation of blood drives due to winter storms has worsened the nationwide blood shortage. However, as warmer weather begins to thaw much of the country, the Red Cross is urging people to schedule an appointment to donate. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing around 40% of all collected blood. To meet patient needs at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross must collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, about 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply. “The availability of blood and platelets can be the difference between life and death,” said Ruster. “Transfusable blood is only available through the generosity of our blood donors.”
While all blood types are needed, there is a critical need for type O donors. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, while type O negative is the universal donor, often used in emergencies when the patient’s blood type cannot be quickly determined.
Over the last two decades, the Red Cross has seen a significant decline in donors. The number of people donating blood to the Red Cross nationwide has plummeted by over 40%, from 3.7 million donors in 2002 to 2.1 million in 2022.
Super Bowl Sweepstakes in Last Week
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.
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.