The third annual Faith Pitts blood drive was held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, honoring the memory of the 18-year-old Olympus High School student who died suddenly in 2020. Go to redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood today.
Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 13, 2023) — The third annual Faith Pitts blood drive is Thursday, May 18, honoring the 18-year-old high school student who died suddenly three years ago. The event takes place during National Trauma Awareness Month, which serves to highlight how a single emergency can deplete the blood supply of a hospital or community. The drive will be held in the gym of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2115 East Creek Rd., 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“We wanted to take the grief over our daughter’s loss and put it into something that can help the community,” said Faith’s mother, Lisa Pitts. “We were so grateful for the people who had donated blood, which was used to try and save our daughter. Now we want people to understand the importance of blood donation – everyone who gives could be saving a life.”
The Olympus High School student and softball player was rushed to a Salt Lake City hospital in December 2020 with a blood clot in her lungs. She received 110 units of blood during emergency treatment, the total amount available in the area. “Faith’s love of life and our community led to us starting the annual blood drive on her birthday,” Mrs. Pitts said. “She would have been 21 on Wednesday. If you can’t make it on May 18, please find another blood drive and donate.”
Make your appointment today for the Faith Pitts blood drive
Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If the drive reaches capacity, you can still make an impact on the blood supply by donating at any upcoming drive –donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma by May 19 are eligible to receive a $10 e-gift card.
In an emergency like Faith’s, there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type, explained Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Having O negative blood on hand helps save lives when there is no time to spare,” he said. “And emergencies can quickly deplete hospital blood banks, so it’s important donors of all types give now.”
The power of type O blood
National Trauma Awareness Month
Started in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, National Trauma Awareness Month is dedicated to learning more about prevention and treatment of traumatic injury.
About the American Red Cross
The 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 nonprofit organization depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.