Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 9, 2026) — American Red Cross donation centers in Utah are open every day, giving platelet donors more opportunities to donate as a national blood supply crisis continues. Platelets must be used within five days, making regular donations necessary to maintain the supply patients need.
This is also the final week platelet donors can get an exclusive American Red Cross clear mini backpack, perfect for music festivals, concerts and theme parks. The backpack is available to those who donate platelets through Saturday, Aug. 15, while supplies last.
Platelets are critical for patients undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplants and major surgeries or being treated for serious injuries. The Red Cross needs to collect about 3,000 platelet donations each day to meet demand from hospitals across the country.
“Utah donors can make a difference in this national blood supply crisis right here at home,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Our donation centers are open every day, and we need people to continue giving blood and platelets to help strengthen the supply in the weeks and months ahead.”
More than 50% of donated platelets go to cancer patients. Many need platelet transfusions when chemotherapy or radiation reduces the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
How the Blood Crisis Developed
The Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis on July 27 for only the second time in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. The crisis followed an emergency blood shortage declared earlier in July after the national blood supply fell by about 25% in June. By late July, blood donations were not keeping pace with hospital demand, raising concerns that some patients could face delays in receiving transfusions.
The blood supply remains under severe pressure and could face another decline as families return to school schedules and people make plans for the final weeks of summer.
Utah Blood Donation Centers Open Everyday
Red Cross blood donation centers in Utah are open seven days a week, giving donors more flexibility to find a day and time that works for them. Blood and platelet donations can be made at the following locations:
Salt Lake Donation Center
6616 S 900 E, Murray
Lehi Donation Center
310 N 850 E, Lehi
Layton Donation Center
852 W. Hill Field Rd., Layton
Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, 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.
Those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email. Platelet donors who give Aug. 1-15 will also receive a Red Cross clear mini backpack, while supplies last. Additional details are available at RedCrossblood.org/GivePlatelets and RedCrossBlood.org/August.
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.
