Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Gov. Spencer Cox blood donation
When: Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m.
Where: Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 6616 South 900 East, Murray
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 10, 2023) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox will be donating blood on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Murray. Aware that the nation’s blood supply has been declining, Gov. Cox is urging all Utahns to donate, as shortages could mean potentially dire consequences for patients.
"Donating blood is a simple yet powerful act that can truly make a difference in someone's life," said Gov. Cox. "We’re facing a critical blood shortage in Utah, and I encourage everyone who is able to join me in this life-saving initiative with the local Red Cross and donate."
Make an appointment today to join Gov. Cox to replenish the blood supply
Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment on Tuesday or another day that is convenient. Donors of all blood types are need; however, there’s an urgent need for type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood. Donate blood in August and get a $10 e-gift card to a movie theater of your choice. Details available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.
Nationwide, the Red Cross is experiencing a shortfall of more than 25,000 donations this summer, leading to a strain on the blood supply. “The Red Cross plays a vital role in supporting the nation's blood supply, providing approximately 40% of the blood collected across the country,” according to Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “To meet demand for patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments at approximately 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross needs to collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations every day.”
Help prevent a looming blood shortage
Trauma patients, transplant recipients and those undergoing cancer treatment are depending on the generosity of blood donors. "The only way to obtain transfusable blood is through donations,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. “We rely on the generosity of others to give blood so that it's available when needed. Despite 62% of the population being eligible to donate, only about 3% does."
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.