Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
ST. GEORGE, Utah (Nov. 3, 2026) — Southern Utah’s largest annual blood drive set another record this year, with Dixie Power and the American Red Cross of Utah collecting 684 units of blood over three days in St. George, topping last year’s total by 127 units.
The Oct. 26-28 blood drive at Black Hill Event Venue brought in nearly 23% more donations than last year’s record of 557 units. Since Dixie Power began hosting the event in 2019, collections have increased every year, rising from 62 units to 684 and bringing the eight-year total to 2,738 units.
“Collecting 684 units of blood in three days is an extraordinary accomplishment, but what makes this blood drive special is the way Southern Utah continues to come together year after year,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Every donation represents someone taking time to help a patient they may never meet. We’re grateful to Dixie Power and everyone who made this record possible.”
Dixie Power’s Blood Drive Continues to Grow
Dixie Power hosted its first Red Cross blood drive in 2019, collecting 62 units during a one-day event. As community support grew, the cooperative expanded the drive to two days in 2021 and three days in 2022.
Collections have increased every year since the drive began:
2019: 62 units
2020: 129 units
2021: 170 units
2022: 288 units
2023: 345 units
2024: 503 units
2025: 557 units
2026: 684 units
This year’s total is more than 10 times the 62 units collected at the first drive.
“Watching this blood drive grow from 62 units in one day to 684 units over three days has been incredible,” said Steve Young, Dixie Power Communications Manager. “Our employees, members and neighbors have helped make this event a Southern Utah tradition. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and especially grateful to everyone who donated.”
Blood Donations Needed Ahead of the Holidays
As Thanksgiving and the December holidays approach, the Red Cross is working to maintain the blood supply during a time when donations often decline. Travel, school breaks and holiday activities can make it more difficult for people to donate, while hospitals continue to need blood for emergencies, surgeries and patients undergoing treatment for serious illnesses.
While donations of all blood types are needed, O positive and O negative are especially important. O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, while O negative is the universal blood donor type and can be given to patients of any blood type during emergencies.
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, including blood used by nearly 45 hospitals in Utah. Nationwide, the Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood donations every day to help meet hospital demand.
Schedule a Blood Donation
Appointments to give blood or platelets can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Those who come to give blood Oct. 19-Nov. 22, 2026, can receive up to $20 in gift cards, including a $10 Amazon gift card and 500 bonus points that can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze for 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.
