Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Grand Opening, Lehi Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center
When: Tuesday, May 16, 10:30 a.m. facility tour; 11 a.m. ribbon cutting; 11:30 a.m. facility open for donations
Where: 310 North 850 East, Suite 8
LEHI, Utah (May 11, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah is opening a new blood donation center in Lehi next Tuesday, May 16, to help meet the increasing need for platelets and other blood products, both locally and nationwide. The center replaces the Orem location, which had become too small to handle the demand. The new facility will also have six platelet collection stations with plans to add more in the future.
“Many of us may be personally connected to someone who has relied on a lifesaving blood or platelet transfusion,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Through our new facility, Utahns and patients across the country will be gaining an expanded opportunity to access those critical treatments.”
Community leaders, elected officials and Red Cross representatives will attend Tuesday’s grand opening, and the public is welcome. Donor appointments and walk-ins will start at 11:30 a.m. Regular hours for the facility will be: Monday, 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Every 15 seconds, someone needs platelets, tiny cells in blood that form clots to stop bleeding
“For millions of Americans, platelets are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases and traumatic injuries,” Dr. Walter Kelley, Salt Lake City-based Medical Director in the Pacific, Rocky Mountain, and Southwest Divisions of the American Red Cross. “These tiny cells have a short shelf life – just five days from the time they are donated. There is a constant, often critical, need to provide platelets for patients’ treatment.”
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. Donors make that possible
“For as long as medicine has been around, we’ve relied on the generosity of others to give blood so it’s available when needed,” Dr. Kelley said “Any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could be in an accident or become ill some day and need a transfusion. Yet, in the U.S., where 62% of the population is eligible to give, only about 3% does. We’re working to increase that number.”
Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion
“There’s no better feeling than knowing your donation might be saving someone’s life,” Ruster said. “Donors of all blood types are needed now to give blood or platelets.” Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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.
