Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 26, 2026) — American Red Cross donation centers in Utah are open every weekend, giving platelet donors more opportunities to donate as a nationwide blood and platelet shortage continues. Because platelets must be used within five days, regular donations are especially important to maintaining the needed supply.
The Red Cross blood and platelet supply has fallen nearly 25% over the past month as hospital demand continues to outpace donations. Platelets are especially needed, and the Red Cross must collect about 3,000 platelet donations each day to meet demand from hospitals across the country.
“Platelet donations are down across the country, and that can quickly affect patients who depend on them for cancer treatment, trauma care and other serious medical needs,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “We want people here in Utah to know our donation centers are open every weekend, making it easier to come in and give.”
How Platelets Support Cancer Patients
Platelets are blood cells that help control bleeding by forming clots. They are often used to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, major surgery and treatment for traumatic injuries.
Platelets are a vital part of cancer care, helping prevent and control bleeding in patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can damage bone marrow and reduce the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. Some cancer patients require multiple platelet transfusions each week as part of their treatment and recovery.
A nationwide platelet shortage can force doctors to delay cancer treatment. Because more than 50% of donated platelets go to cancer patients, a critical drop in supply may leave hospitals without the reserves needed to support patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Weekend Donation Hours and Locations
Utah residents are encouraged to visit the following Red Cross donation centers on weekends:
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 through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by 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.
Through July 31, platelet donors will receive a set of four American Red Cross Platelet Donor popcorn buckets, while supplies last. All Utahns who come to give blood or platelets July 13-31, 2026, will also receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, up to a $15 ticket price and fees.
Those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. Platelet donors will also receive a Red Cross Platelet Donor clear mini backpack Aug. 1-15, while supplies last. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July and RedCrossBlood.org/August.
What to Expect When Donating Platelets
Platelet donation, also called apheresis, collects platelets from the blood and returns the remaining components, including plasma, red cells and white cells, to the donor. The process usually takes about two hours. During that time, donors can relax, watch a movie or listen to music.
Eligible donors can give platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year. People who recently donated whole blood may be able to donate platelets after seven days.
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.
