Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 4, 2022) — Today, Sept. 4, is National Blood Donation Day. The American Red Cross of Utah is joining with nationally syndicated radio host and physician, Daliah Wachs, to encourage Utahns to donate life-saving blood at a blood drives this week.
This is the seventh consecutive year Dr. Wachs has worked to enlist all 50 states in promoting blood donations through National Blood Donation Week, with Sept. 4 being proclaimed “National Blood Donation Day” by governors nationwide. Gov. Spencer Cox proclaimed Sept. 4 as Utah Blood Donation Day.
Dr. Wachs speaks to listeners about various medical topics on her daily GCN Network and iHeartRadio show and says she understands why it’s important to have a robust blood supply. “After hearing about an emergency need for more donors in 2016,” said Dr. Wachs, “I decided to establish a National Blood Donation Day, strategically timed right around the Labor Day holiday, when blood donations often decline due to busy holiday schedules.”
Today, on National Blood Donation Day, Dr. Wachs says she wants to honor all those who help save lives by regularly giving of themselves through blood donation. “And I want to thank the American Red Cross of Utah and those who decide to make this week the first time they donate blood – and hopefully will continue to do so.”
National Blood Donation Day comes at an important time, as the Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood donations this summer. “The decline in donations has caused the American Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase.”
Even with incredible advancements in modern medicine, many crucial treatments still depend on blood transfusions. “In the United States, 62% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 3% does,” said Ruster. “By choosing to give now, donors not only help boost the future blood supply, but also help those already in need of emergency lifesaving care or transfusions for medical treatment.”
Learn more about blood donation
For information and eligibility requirements, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Discover the value of giving blood in September
Those who give blood, platelets, or plasma Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, those who give throughout September will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience, including two tickets to a 2023 race; donors will also receive a coupon for a free haircut via email, all thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.