Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 25, 2025) — This Memorial Day, the American Red Cross of Utah invites community members to honor the lives of fallen military personnel by donating blood. Donation centers in Salt Lake City, Layton and Lehi will remain open on Monday, offering an opportunity for Utahns to make a meaningful contribution that could save lives.
“There are many ways to pay tribute on Memorial Day,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region and a U.S. Navy veteran. “By donating blood, you not only honor our fallen heroes, but you also become a hero to those in need of lifesaving transfusions.”
Creating a family tradition of donating blood is a powerful way to educate and inspire the next generation about compassion and service. “When children see their parents giving blood, they witness kindness in action,” Ruster added. “By the time they turn 16, they’ll understand the importance of donation and feel empowered to contribute themselves.”
Families are encouraged to make blood donations a significant part of their Memorial Day observance while helping meet a critical community need. In Utah, teenagers aged 16 or 17, weighing at least 110 pounds and in good health, can donate with signed parental consent.
Memorial Day Donation Hours and Locations
Utah residents are invited to visit the following donation centers on Monday, May 26, 2025:
Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or 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.
Critical Need for Type O Blood
While all blood types are critical, the demand for type O blood is particularly urgent. Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, and type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
With over 39 million people expected to travel by car during Memorial Day weekend, the highest number since tracking began in 2000, the National Safety Council estimates an alarming 443 traffic-related fatalities and more than 50,000 injuries nationwide. A single major accident can quickly deplete a hospital’s blood supply, underlining the importance of blood donation.
“It’s crucial for donors of all types to step forward, especially those with O negative blood,” Ruster said. “Trauma centers rely on this universal blood type for emergencies when every second counts.”
Commemorating Memorial Day Through Generosity
While Memorial Day is often associated with vacations and travel, its true significance can sometimes be overshadowed. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the military personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving in the nation’s armed forces. First nationally observed on May 30, 1868, Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971 by Congress and is honored annually on the last Monday in May.
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.
