Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 9, 2026) — This Mother’s Day weekend, the American Red Cross of Utah is inviting blood donors to give in honor of a mother, mother figure or someone who has cared for them.
The Salt Lake Blood Donation Center will be open Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, as part of Los Donantes, a Red Cross outreach effort focused on encouraging blood donation in Utah’s Latino community and raising awareness about the need for a blood supply that reflects the state’s diverse communities. Donors who give during Mother’s Day weekend can receive a rose, while supplies last.
“Mother’s Day is about honoring care, generosity and the people who show up for others,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Blood donation is a meaningful way to carry that spirit forward, especially as we work through Los Donantes to reach more Latino donors and other communities that have been underrepresented in blood donation.”
Donors who give at the Salt Lake Blood Donation Center from May 1 through 17 can also receive a limited-edition Los Donantes T-shirt, while supplies last. The shirt is inspired by traditional Mexican lotería cards and features two blood donors, connecting a familiar cultural image to the need for more donors from Latino communities.
How to Donate
Donation appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use the sponsor code SaltLakeCityUT to schedule an appointment at the Salt Lake Donation Center.
Los Donantes Outreach
Los Donantes, which means “The Donors,” launched April 1 as an outreach effort focused on blood donation in Utah’s Latino community and the ongoing need for more donors. The effort runs through June 30, with special events at the Salt Lake Blood Donation Center on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Nearly 60% of Latino people have type O-positive blood, making blood donation especially important in these communities. O-positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and is compatible with about 85% of patients.
Donations Needed Heading into Summer
Blood donations often slow in late spring as the school year ends, reducing the number of high school and college blood drives that bring in donors during the academic year. Warmer weather, outdoor activities, spring travel and changing routines can also pull donors away from appointments, making it more challenging to keep donation schedules full as summer approaches.
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.
