Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
PROVO, Utah (May 24, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah is teaming with the City of Provo and community partners for a Blood Drive & Disaster Preparedness event, Monday, June 6, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Provo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 255 S. 700 E.
The event is designed to help replenish the blood supply in Utah and the country, plus teach residents how to prepare for disasters.
“Along with donating blood, participants have the opportunity to 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 and comfortably,” said Donor. “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.
“Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime,” said Donner. “We urge people to prepare now and be ready if an emergency occurs in their home or in our local community. Helping people during disasters is at the heart of our mission.”
The City of Provo’s police and fire departments will be at the June 6 event helping residents learn more about emergency preparedness while getting to know their first responders.
“We want to have an event that brings the community together and allows us all to be better prepared in case of a disaster,” said Chaplain Linda Walton of the Provo Seventh-day Adventist Church. “Neighbors and friends can gather, 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 SAVELIVES sponsor code
“With summer nearing, blood donations become even more essential to maintaining a stable blood supply,” stressed Donner.
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control and will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers, and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, anyone can choose to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent, where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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.