Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
MAPLETON, Utah (July 8, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah is teaming with the City of Mapleton and other community partners for a Blood Drive & Disaster Preparedness event, Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mapleton City Center, 125 West 400 North.
The event is designed to help replenish the blood supply in Utah and the country, plus teach residents how to prepare for disasters. City officials have a goal to collect 100 units of donated blood to help support what is considered “the 100 deadliest days of summer,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day where an increase in serious car accidents occurs.
“As first responders, we see firsthand the need for available blood to treat traumatic injuries,” said Nicholas Glasgow, Mapleton City Fire Department Chief. “That is why it is so critical that we all give blood, especial during this time when the need increases.”
Along with donating blood, participants can learn the latest hands-only CPR method and become “Red Cross Ready,” by knowing how to prepare for disasters, said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central and Southern Utah Chapter.
“Becoming ‘Red Cross Ready’ for an emergency means following three simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely,” said Donner. “Being prepared may not prevent a disaster, but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge.”
The Red Cross encourages community members to follow these three simple steps:
1) Get a kit. 2) Make a plan. 3) Be Informed. To learn more: redcross.org/prepare.
Helping people during disasters is at the heart of the Red Cross mission, and the organization also offers individual and family preparedness training. “Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime,” said Donner. “We urge people to prepare now and be ready if an emergency occurs in their home or community.”
The City of Mapleton’s fire departments along with city officials will be at the July 15 event helping residents learn more about emergency preparedness while getting to know their first responders and city leaders.
“We want to have an event that brings people together and allows us all to help our friends and neighbors,” Glasgow said. “Everyone can come, learn how to prepare for a disaster, and help the community by donating blood.”
Those interested in giving blood at the event are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using the MAPLETONFIRE sponsor code.
“With summer here, blood donations become even more essential to maintaining a stable blood supply,” stressed Donner.
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.