Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
Lily.mccormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610
SALT LAKE (Feb. 14, 2025) — The Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth and Delta Air Lines are teaming with the American Red Cross of Utah to host a blood drive at Delta Center to encourage fans and community members to help maintain the blood supply both locally and nationally. The blood drive is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the main concourse at Delta Center, 301 S. Temple.
“The American Red Cross has partnered with Delta Air Lines more than 75 years,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Right now, the nation is facing a critical blood shortage and drives like this are coming at exactly the right time. We invite everyone who is able to step forward and help ensure hospitals have the blood they need.”
Winter Risks for the National Blood Supply
Shortfalls in blood and platelet donations caused by recent winter storms are further straining the national blood supply, leading some hospitals to postpone elective procedures due to limited blood availability. When supplies run low, doctors face the possibility that blood may not be available for trauma patients and others who depend on transfusions for lifesaving care. Maintaining adequate blood inventories remains essential to ensure hospitals can continue treating patients without delays.
Make an appointment today
The Red Cross of Utah strongly encourages Utahns to schedule a donation appointment for Monday’s Utah Jazz/Delta blood drive. Donors can secure their spot using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code, DeltaJazz.
Donors at Tuesday’s blood drive will receive a Utah Jazz pennant flag and a Utah Mammoth luggage tag set, courtesy of Delta. If Immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for future dates to help strengthen the blood supply.
All who come to give blood between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.
Delta’s longstanding partnership
The American Red Cross is Delta’s longest standing nonprofit partner dating back to 1941 when Delta employees donated blood during WWII. Delta employees and customers donated over 15,000 units of blood last year making Delta the largest corporate blood drive sponsor in the U.S. with the Red Cross.
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.
