Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 12, 2022) — The Olympus High School softball team is joining with a player’s family to host the second annual American Red Cross of Utah/Faith Pitts blood drive, held in honor of the 18-year-old student and teammate who died suddenly in 2020. The blood drive will be held at Olympus High, 4055 S 2300 E, Holladay, Utah, on Faith’s birthday, Tuesday, May 17, from noon to 5:30 p.m.
“We wanted to take the grief over our daughter’s loss and put it into something that can help the community,” said Lisa Pitts, Faith’s mother. “We want people to know how essential donor blood is to saving lives, and everyone can be part of the solution by donating.”
Faith was rushed to a Salt Lake City hospital in December 2020 with a blood clot in her lungs and received 110 units of blood, the total amount available in the area, to try to save her life. But ultimately, she passed.
“With summer nearing, blood donations become even more important to maintaining a stable blood supply,” according to Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “When schools let out and families set off on vacations, the Red Cross typically sees a decline in donors, often leading to a seasonal blood shortage.”
Faith’s family started holding a Red Cross blood drive last year on her birthday in remembrance of her life.
“Our daughter Faith’s love of life and our community led to us starting an annual blood drive on her birthday,” Lisa Pitts said. “But if you can’t make it to Olympus High on May 17, please find another drive and donate. Giving blood today can help save lives when it is needed most.”
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using the FAITH sponsor code.
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control and will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers, and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, anyone can choose to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent, where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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.