Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 3, 2026) — Before Utahns head to backyard barbecues, parades and fireworks displays this Fourth of July weekend, the American Red Cross of Utah is asking people to set aside an hour to donate blood at the Salt Lake, Lehi or Layton blood donation centers.
Donation centers will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, giving Utahns the opportunity to donate before or during their holiday plans. Whether heading out of town, gathering with family or staying close to home, donors can make blood donation part of the holiday weekend.
“By keeping our donation centers open over the Independence Day weekend, we want to give Utahns a simple, yet meaningful, way to help others while they celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for the blood supply, and every appointment helps keep blood available for patients who need it.”
Scheduled blood donation appointments have dropped sharply nationwide in recent weeks. Nearly 90% of all blood donations come from scheduled appointments, so even a small dip in bookings can quickly strain the supply. Donations often fall during the summer as the school year ends, families travel and daily routines change. Hospitals need blood every day, and donated blood has a limited shelf life. Regular donations help keep the blood supply stable through the summer months.
Fourth of July Weekend Donation Hours and Locations
Utah residents are encouraged to visit the following Red Cross donation centers during the holiday weekend:
Salt Lake Donation Center
6616 S 900 E, Murray
Lehi Donation Center
310 N 850 E, Lehi
Layton Donation Center
852 W. Hill Field Rd., Layton
Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by 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.
All who come to give June 29-July 12, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Looney TunesTM T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/LooneyTunes for details.
Type O Blood Needed
The Red Cross has seen about a 20% drop in the availability of type O blood in recent weeks. Type O blood is used every day in trauma care, surgeries and other medical emergencies.
Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to most people with a positive blood type, which is more than 80% of the population. Type O negative can be given to patients of any blood type and is often used in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
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.
