Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 21, 2023) — As National Blood Donor Month continues, the American Red Cross is seeing widespread blood drive cancelations in other parts of the country due to severe weather and seasonal illness, leaving the nation’s blood supply threatened. The call is going out to donors of all blood types to give – with the added motivation of a chance to win a trip to next month’s Super Bowl.
“People in need depend on generous Red Cross blood donors, and we must bolster our supply to ensure we can always meet demand,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “We are urging Utahns – especially those with type O blood – to give now.”
Come to give in January, receive a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVII*
In partnership with the National Football League (NFL), those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma to the Red Cross through Jan. 31, 2023, will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. The trip includes access to day-of, in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to Phoenix, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 10-13, 2023), plus a $500 gift card for expenses.
“The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect enough blood products, but the need doesn’t decrease,” Lafranca said. “One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion – yet only 3% of the public gives blood. And hundreds of blood drives have been canceled due to weather, leaving more than 10,000 units uncollected.”
The Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelets donations every day to meet demand. “Our donors are literally the life blood for those undergoing medical procedures and treatments at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide,” said Lafranca. “We encourage Utah residents to donate now and maybe win a trip to the Super Bowl.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion
Blood is unique in the healthcare system because it cannot be produced synthetically. “The only way patients can get the lifesaving blood they need is through the generosity of others,” Lafranca stressed. “And any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could be in an accident or become ill some day and need a transfusion.”
Support National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross lifesaving mission
Schedule a blood donation appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact Julie Schwartz at julie.schwartz@redcross.org or 385-258-5310 or visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday.
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.
*Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.