Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2025) —This Fourth of July weekend, the American Red Cross of Utah is encouraging the community to celebrate the holiday in a meaningful way—by donating blood. Staff and volunteers at donation centers in Salt Lake City, Lehi and Layton will be working on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to give Utahns the chance to make a lifesaving impact while celebrating the holiday.
“By keeping our donation centers open on Independence Day, we hope to inspire a sense of patriotism through the act of giving blood and helping those in need,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Summer is often a challenging time for blood donations, and we encourage everyone to join us in making a lifesaving impact during the Fourth of July holiday.”
Blood donations typically decline during the summer months due to vacations, travel and seasonal activities. This drop in donations can strain the blood supply, creating challenges for patients in need. “Our centers will open earlier in the day, allowing donors to start their Fourth of July celebrations with a selfless act of giving and still have time to enjoy family gatherings and fireworks displays,” Donner said.
Fourth of July Weekend Donation Hours and Locations
Utah residents are encouraged to visit the following donation centers during the holiday weekend:
Salt Lake Donation Center
6616 South 900 East
Friday, July 4: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lehi Donation Center
310 North 850 East
Friday, July 4: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Layton Donation Center
852 W. Hill Field Rd.
Friday, July 4, Saturday & Sunday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor codes SaltLakeCityUT, LaytonUT or LehiUT to make an appointment at one of the donation centers.
Critical Need for Type O Blood
While all blood types are needed, the demand for type O blood is especially urgent. Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, while type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
With over 60 million people expected to travel by car during the Fourth of July weekend, it remains one of the busiest travel times of the year. Last year, the National Safety Council estimated 599 traffic-related fatalities and more than 68,000 injuries nationwide. A single major accident can quickly deplete a hospital’s blood supply, underscoring the critical need for blood donations.
Rewarding Blood Donors
To thank donors, the Red Cross has partnered with goodr to offer a special gift. All who donate between July 1-14, 2025, will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can even personalize their shades with a blood type sticker. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.
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.
