Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 2, 2023) — Monday, Sept. 4, is Labor Day and many Utahns will have time off to spend with friends and family. The American Red Cross of Utah is urging people to give some of that time to those in need by making a blood donation. All three Red Cross Blood Donation Centers will be open on Labor Day; people can make an appointment at the Lehi, Murray, or Layton locations by going to redcrossblood.org.
“Labor Day is a holiday to rest from our labor and honor the work we do all year long; but the work of saving lives never takes a day off,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “At the end of this summer, we are facing a blood shortage across the US, in part because of extreme weather events like Hurricane Idalia. Dozens of drives were cancelled due to the hurricane. Those of us living in areas like Utah, which do not typically experience weather-related disasters, can be a lifeline to others by donating blood."
Donation Center Hours and Location
Lehi 6:30am-2:30pm, 310 N 850 E Suite B, Lehi
Murray 6:30am-2:30pm, 6616 S 900 E, Murray
Layton 7:00am-3:00pm, 852 W Hill Field Rd Suite F, Layton
Whole blood, Power Red, Platelet and Plasma donors are all welcome; please make an appointment at redcrossblood.org to reserve your donation time.
While all blood types are needed, there is currently an urgent need for type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donations. These blood types are in high demand and crucial for life-saving interventions. Type O blood is the most used in hospitals and B negative is one of the rarest blood types. Donors can make an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross plays a vital role in sustaining the country's blood supply, contributing about 40% of all collected blood. To meet the needs of patients undergoing medical procedures and treatments at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross aims to collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations every single day.
Appreciation for donors
As appreciation for their commitment to ensuring a stable blood supply, all who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma September 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last. Additionally, donors during the month of September will receive an email coupon for a complimentary haircut from Sport Clips. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive.
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.
