Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 21, 2026) — Utah blood donors have one word to remember before their next appointment: “pickleball.”
From Sept. 21-30, people who come to give blood or platelets at one of Utah’s three American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Centers and mention “pickleball” to a Red Cross staff member or volunteer can receive a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball, while supplies last.
The offer has a bit of an insider feel. The pickleball paddle and ball are not automatically handed out. Donors have to know to ask for them. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Pickleball for details.
“We’re having a little fun with this one, but there is a serious reason behind it,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “If a pickleball paddle gets someone through the door to donate blood or platelets, that donation can help provide blood for patients who need it.”
The giveaway is available only at participating Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Centers and is not available at mobile blood drives. Utah’s three Red Cross donation centers are:
Salt Lake Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
6616 S 900 E
Murray, UT 84121
Sponsor code: SaltLakeCityUT
Lehi Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
310 N 850 E, Suite C
Lehi, UT 84043
Sponsor code: LehiUT
Layton Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
852 W. Hill Field Rd., Suite F
Layton, UT 84041
Sponsor code: LaytonUT
Appointments can be scheduled using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18, 2026, will also receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.
Blood Donations Needed as Fall Schedules Get Busier
The national blood supply has improved since the Red Cross declared only the second national blood crisis in its history in late July, but it remains vulnerable. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations each day to help provide blood for patients across the country.
September can be a challenging month for blood collection as families settle into school schedules, sports, after-school activities and other fall commitments.
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.
