Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 10, 2024) — Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals are teaming up with the American Red Cross of Utah for a blood drive on Thursday, September 12, urging the community to donate blood during the ongoing nationwide emergency blood shortage. All donors participating in the blood drive will be entered into a drawing to win a ticket package and may meet their favorite players while donating. Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals team members will be at the drive to greet fans.

“We are honored to assist our partners at the American Red Cross of Utah in this crucial lifesaving event,” said Kyle Schroeder, RSL VP of Community and Player Engagement. “Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals are committed to working with the community to help others, and we hope our efforts will inspire more people to become blood donors.”

Drive details
Date: Thursday, September 12
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: America First Field, 9256 S. State St., Sandy

Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code, RSL.

Donate Blood and Win
In appreciation of their contribution, all donors will be entered into a drawing. Two fortunate donors will win tickets and a parking pass for a RSL game, and all RSL blood drive donors will receive a link for discounted tickets. (The American Red Cross is not administering or overseeing this promotion. Please contact Real Salt Lake for promotion details.)

Critical call for blood
A steady increase in lifesaving blood products is vital to ensuring hospitals stay ready for any situation this fall. As National Preparedness Month continues, the Red Cross highlights the importance of having a strong supply of blood products already on hand for disasters and emergencies of all kinds and to meet the needs of patients every day.

“We are grateful to Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals for supporting the Red Cross of Utah and our community by holding this blood drive,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “The only way we can ensure patients get the blood they need is through the generosity of our donors.”

The Red Cross plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing around 40% of all collected blood. To meet the needs of patients at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross must collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, approximately 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.

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.

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