Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 1, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Utah is opening its blood donation centers in Salt Lake City, Lehi and Layton on Labor Day, providing a vital opportunity for Utahns to engage in the lifesaving act of donating blood. With schools closed for the holiday, families can take this opportunity to introduce children to the importance of blood donation, fostering the next generation of donors.
“Labor Day is a perfect time for parents to teach their children about the community impact of blood donation,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “By the time children turn 16, they can be ready to start donating themselves.” In Utah, teenagers aged 16 or 17, weighing at least 110 pounds and in good health, can donate with signed parental consent.
Facing a national blood shortage, the Red Cross emphasizes the critical need for donors on Labor Day and throughout the year to maintain a stable blood supply. “Our dedicated team of nurses, phlebotomists and volunteers play a critical role in helping ensure lifesaving blood is available to patients in need,” Lafranca said. “On Monday, our team will be on the job Labor Day, caring for new and regular donors as they donate blood, making a difference in our community.”
Donation centers will be open on Monday, Sept. 2, at the following times and locations:
Schedule your blood donation today
As a leading provider of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross contributes about 40% of all blood collected, serving over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. To meet ongoing patient needs, the Red Cross must collect around 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah depend on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Donors can easily schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a token of appreciation, all donors visiting between Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last. All who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card to their merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.
About Labor Day
Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 to honor the rights and accomplishments of American workers. It’s often marked by parades, family gatherings and community events. Often considered the unofficial end of the summer, the Labor Day holiday is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
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.
