Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 28, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Utah is urging Utah residents to make the most of this year's extra day on February 29, a date that comes around only once every four years. The Red Cross is inviting individuals to donate blood on this special day. Appointments are available at various blood drives and Red Cross donation centers throughout the state.
“Many of us let this extra day slide by without realizing the significant difference we can make in our community in one day,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “A single blood donation can profoundly impact someone's life.”
Donner speaks from personal experience. Five years ago, he was rushed to a Draper emergency room and received four units of blood during a medical treatment. “Before my medical emergency, I donated blood because I understood the constant need, and I believed it was the right thing to do,” Donner explained. “Then, I found myself on the receiving end, needing blood donated by four strangers who I will never meet but am forever grateful to.”
Make Leap Day a blood donation tradition
The Red Cross of Utah is encouraging residents to book their donation appointments for Thursday's Leap Day. To secure a slot, donors can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The following Red Cross donation centers will be open on Leap Day:
Even if immediate donation slots are filled, individuals are urged to schedule appointments for future dates to maintain a steady blood supply. As an incentive, donors who give blood on Leap Day will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.
As the final weeks of winter approach, every donation will help ensure a robust blood supply moving into spring. “There are no substitutes for donated blood. The only way we can maintain a stable blood supply in our community is through the generosity of individual donors,” Donner said.
Why do we have Leap Years?
Leap years occur because the Earth's orbit around the sun takes slightly longer than 365 days – specifically, 365 days, 6 hours and 9 minutes according to NASA. An extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it in sync with the seasons. This practice dates back to 45 B.C.E, when Julius Caesar introduced a solar calendar, which included leap days, based on a system developed in Egypt. However, his calculations were slightly off. In the 16th Century, Pope Gregory XIII adjusted the calendar to add February 29 every four years, with a few exceptions. For instance, the year 2100 will not be a leap 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.