Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 20, 2025) — On this Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, the American Red Cross of Utah invites the community to honor Dr. King’s legacy through an act of compassion – donating blood.
“As Dr. King so powerfully said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ Donating blood provides a meaningful answer, offering the potential to save lives,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter.
Addressing the Needs of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people nationwide, with the majority being of African descent. For these patients, regular blood transfusions are critical in managing severe pain and preventing life-threatening complications. The Red Cross of Utah remains dedicated to fostering a diverse blood supply to support the needs of these individuals.
Challenges Facing the Blood Supply
This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service comes as the nation is experiencing a critical strain on its blood supply. Severe winter storms across parts of the country during the first two weeks of the year caused the cancellation of over 400 Red Cross blood drives, resulting in more than 10,000 uncollected blood donations.
“Ongoing blood drive cancellations threaten the availability of lifesaving treatments for patients with chronic illnesses and cancer patients who rely on platelet donations,” Smauldon said. “Support from generous blood donors is vital to ensuring these patients receive the care they need.”
Donating blood is a simple but life-changing act. To locate a nearby blood drive, schedule an appointment or find a donation center, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Volunteer in Your Community
Across the nation, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to disasters, supporting blood donation efforts, assisting military families and addressing global emergencies. “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a powerful reminder of the need for ongoing community service,” Smauldon said. “We encourage everyone to make service part of their lives, today and every day.” To learn more about volunteering opportunities, visit 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, MLK Day is the only federal holiday officially designated as a National Day of Service. It encourages Americans to volunteer and make a positive impact in their communities. MLK Day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1986 and became 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.