Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 7, 2026) — While many Utahns have the day off for Labor Day, the American Red Cross of Utah is keeping its blood donation centers in Murray, Lehi and Layton open today, giving donors another opportunity to help maintain the national blood supply following a difficult summer.
The blood supply has improved since the Red Cross declared only the second national blood crisis in its history in late July, but it remains vulnerable. Thousands of donors responded, helping rebuild the supply from critically low levels, but hospitals continue to rely on donors every day. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations each day to meet patient needs at hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
“Holiday weekends can interrupt normal donation routines, but patients continue to need blood every day,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Keeping our donation centers open on Labor Day gives Utahns another opportunity to donate before work, school and other fall commitments fill the calendar.”
Labor Day Donation Hours and Locations
Salt Lake Donation Center
6616 S 900 E, Murray
Labor Day: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lehi Donation Center
310 N 850 E, Lehi
Labor Day: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Layton Donation Center
852 W. Hill Field Rd., Layton
Labor Day: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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.
Those who come to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty® plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty for details.
Blood Donations Needed as Fall Schedules Get Busier
Back-to-school activities and changing schedules can make September a difficult month for blood collection. Although the national blood supply has improved since the July crisis, it can quickly tighten when appointments go unfilled. Hospitals need blood every day, and donations must be collected and tested before they can be used for patients.
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.
