Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (June 18, 2026) — This Father’s Day weekend, the American Red Cross of Utah is inviting Utahns to give blood in honor of fathers, father figures and the people who have supported them.
The Salt Lake Blood Donation Center will be open Friday, June 19, Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, as part of Los Donantes, a Red Cross outreach effort to encourage blood donation in Utah’s Latino community and raise awareness about the need for a blood supply that reflects the state’s diverse population.
On Friday, the first 100 donors who give blood can receive three free tacos from a taco truck at the donation center. Donors who give on Friday, Saturday or Sunday can also receive a limited-edition Los Donantes T-shirt, while supplies last. On Saturday and Sunday, donors can receive a carnation to give to their father or father figure, while supplies last.
“Father’s Day is a time to recognize the people who support, guide and care for their families and communities,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, executive director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Donating blood is one way to honor that spirit of giving, especially through Los Donantes as we work to reach more Latino donors and help build a blood supply that better reflects the patients who depend on it.”
The Los Donantes T-shirt is inspired by traditional Mexican lotería cards and features two blood donors, connecting a familiar cultural image to the need for more donors from Latino communities.
How to Donate
Donors can make appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use the sponsor code SaltLakeCityUT to schedule an appointment at the Salt Lake Donation Center.
Los Donantes Outreach
Los Donantes, which means “The Donors,” launched April 1 as an outreach effort focused on encouraging blood donation in Utah’s Latino community and highlighting the ongoing need for more donors. The effort runs through June 30, with special events at the Salt Lake Blood Donation Center on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Nearly 60% of Latinos have type O-positive blood, making blood donation especially important in these communities. O-positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and is compatible with about 85% of patients.
Decline in Scheduled Donations
About 90% of blood donations come from scheduled appointments, making appointment trends a key indicator of blood supply stability. In recent weeks, appointments have dropped sharply nationwide, contributing to a decline of several thousand units in just one week.
Blood donations often decrease during the summer as the school year ends, families travel and regular routines change. At the same time, hospitals continue to need blood every day. Because blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, regular donations remain essential to maintaining a stable supply.
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.
