Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 22, 2023) — In the spirit of giving, the American Red Cross of Utah is inviting the community to share a truly meaningful gift. On Christmas Day, Red Cross blood donation centers will be open, specifically for much-needed platelet donations.
Platelets are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. They are vital in treating many health conditions, including cancer, chronic diseases and traumatic injuries. However, platelets must be used within five days of donation, creating a constant need for new donations.
“Christmas is about giving. What better way to celebrate this spirit than by donating platelets, a gift that can help save lives,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Your donation could offer a lifeline to a patient in need. It's a powerful way to show your holiday spirit.”
The following donation centers will be open on Christmas Day:
Appointments are still available. This Christmas, the Red Cross urges everyone to consider donating platelets – it's a way to give back and give life at the same time. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donating platelets
Donating platelets is slightly different than a traditional whole blood donation. The process is called apheresis donation, an automated procedure in which whole blood goes into a machine that isolates and takes just the platelets, then returns the other blood components – plasma, red cells and white cells – back to the donor.
The donation takes a little longer than donating whole blood, about two hours. Throughout the process, our Red Cross phlebotomists are there to assist the donors.
Blood donation is a critical component of emergency medical care, routine surgeries and treatments. “Every day, our trusted team of Red Cross of Utah nurses, phlebotomists and volunteers play a critical role in ensuring lifesaving platelets are available,” Ruster said. “On Monday morning, our team will celebrate the holiday on the job, helping to maintain this essential supply for those in need.”
Donating blood this holiday season can be doubly rewarding
The Red Cross has teamed up with Prime Video in honor of their film “Candy Cane Lane.” All who come to give blood in December will be entered to win one of 12 prize packages. Each package includes a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon. Plus, those who come to give Dec. 18-Jan. 5 will get a legendary long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while they last.
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.
