Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 15, 2023) — In tribute to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 15, the American Red Cross of Utah invites the community to honor Dr. King’s legacy with a compassionate act – blood donation.
“As Dr. King eloquently stated, ‘Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?' Donating blood offers a profound response to this call, potentially saving someone's life,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter
Sickle cell disease affects over 100,000 people nationwide, predominantly those of African descent. Regular blood transfusions are essential for managing severe pain and life-threatening complications. The Red Cross of Utah is committed to creating a diverse blood supply to meet these patients' needs.
Urgent Call Amidst Blood Shortage
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service follows closely on the heels of the Red Cross's announcement of a nationwide blood shortage, driven by a 20-year low in the number of donors. “This ongoing shortage could jeopardize treatments for patients with sickle cell disease, who rely on blood donations and cancer, who rely on platelet donations,” said Smauldon. “With support from generous blood donors, we can help ensure access to lifesaving treatments.”
The Red Cross plays a vital role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing about 40% of all collected blood. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Volunteer in Your Community
Nationwide, over 300,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to disasters, supporting blood collection, aiding military families. and assisting in global emergencies. “Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of engaging in community service throughout the year,” Smauldon said. Learn more at redcross.org/VolunteerToday.
In Dr. King’s words, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
About Martin Luther King National Day of Service
Observed on the third Monday of January each year, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. It encourages all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Established as a federal holiday in 1986, Congress designated it as a National Day of Service in 1994.
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.