Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 5, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah and Calvary Baptist Church are asking Salt Lake City residents to give blood during the church’s Getting in the Know Health Fair on Saturday, May 9, part of a community effort to strengthen the blood supply and support the health and well-being of local families.
The Red Cross blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1090 S. State Street in Salt Lake City. The health fair runs from 8 a.m. to noon and will bring residents together with health providers, wellness organizations and community partners for screenings, resources, a 1-mile walk and information focused on improving community health. The blood drive also supports Red Cross efforts to encourage more donors from underrepresented communities and help build a blood supply that reflects the needs of the patients who depend on it.
“Blood donation is one of the most direct ways people can help others in their community,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “By working with Calvary Baptist Church, we can reach more donors, build awareness and help strengthen the blood supply for patients who may need closely matched blood.”
Blood donation appointments for the Calvary Baptist Church blood drive can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code CalvarySLC.
Health Fair Brings Community Resources Together
Calvary Baptist Church’s Getting in the Know Health Fair will bring residents, health providers and local organizations together for a morning focused on wellness, prevention and community health. Opening ceremonies will include remarks from Pastor Oscar T. Moses and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, followed by a 1-mile community walk at 8:30 a.m.
Attendees will have access to health resources and services including mammograms through the Boob Bus, the U of U Wellness Bus, stress management and relationship-building skill trainings, tobacco prevention resources and information from local health and community organizations.
Participating organizations include the American Red Cross of Utah, Black Physicians of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake County Health Department, Intermountain Health, Primary Children’s Hospital, the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, Utah Black Chamber and other community partners.
Blood Donation and Sickle Cell Disease
A more diverse blood supply is especially important for patients with sickle cell disease, many of whom rely on regular blood transfusions. Closely matched blood can help reduce serious complications, and patients are more likely to find that match from donors who share a similar racial or ethnic background.
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States and disproportionately affects people of African descent. One in three African American blood donors is a match for patients with sickle cell disease. Black donors are also nearly three times more likely than donors of other racial or ethnic backgrounds to provide the blood types most needed by sickle cell disease patients.
Free Sickle Cell Trait Screening
For a limited time, the Red Cross is screening blood donations from self-identified multiracial and Black or African American donors for sickle cell trait. The screening helps identify compatible blood for patients with sickle cell disease more quickly and gives donors useful health information.
Sickle cell trait is inherited, and many people may not know they carry it. It is not the same as sickle cell disease and cannot develop into the disease, but health experts recommend people learn their trait status and discuss it with a medical provider. People with sickle cell trait are still eligible to donate blood.
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.
