Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 13, 2024) – On Thursday, August 15, members of the media are invited to tour the Red Cross Blood Processing Lab to gain firsthand insight into the meticulous quality control measures that ensure a safe blood supply. This 30-minute tour will demonstrate the sorting, testing and packaging of blood donations, emphasizing the rigorous steps taken to maintain safety and reliability before being distributed to hospitals.
Media Tour Details
The Red Cross is committed to educating the public about the blood distribution process to encourage donations, which are crucial amid the nationwide critical blood shortage. In July, the national blood supply saw a staggering 25% decrease, amounting to over 19,000 fewer donations. This alarming drop threatens patient care, as the current number of donations is insufficient to meet hospitals' demands.
“When blood supplies fall to critical levels, patient care is at serious risk, particularly during major accidents or emergencies that require significant blood transfusions,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “If you are healthy and able, we urge you to donate blood this week to make a lifesaving impact.”
The Red Cross employs over 2,200 laboratory and manufacturing experts at 146 Red Cross labs and distribution facilities nationwide to facilitate this critical process.
Schedule your blood donation today
As a key contributor to the nation’s blood inventory, the Red Cross supplies around 40% of all collected blood, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. To meet patient needs, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Donors can easily book 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 Aug. 1-31, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. For more information, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
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.