Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LOGAN, Utah (Nov. 15, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah is partnering with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to host a crucial blood drive at the Mount Logan Stake Center, 565 East 100 South, Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is being held to help boost supply ahead of the expected decline in blood donations during the holidays.
In fact, many seasonal factors can make it harder to collect the necessary blood hospital patients require, according to the Red Cross. “Donations decline in the fall and winter due to weather, illness, and busy holiday schedules, but we still must ensure the supply is there when it’s needed,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “Without donations, the availability of blood products will continue to decline. So we encourage all residents who can to consider celebrating their good health by donating blood.”
In the U.S., 62% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 3% does, Smauldon reported. “Any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could be in an accident or become ill some day and need blood,” he said. “By choosing to give now, donors not only help boost the future blood supply, but also help those in need of emergency lifesaving care or dependent on transfusions for medical treatment.”
This Friday’s blood drive will benefit Logan and surrounding communities, along with the entire state of Utah, Smauldon said. “I know the residents of Cache County appreciate the importance of blood drives and will sign up to donate. We’ve seen how enthusiastically they’ve answered the call in the past.”
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood reserves and urges everyone – especially those with type O blood – to give. “Recent natural disasters caused numerous blood drives to be cancelled, also putting a strain on the blood supply,” said Smauldon.
Get more information or schedule an appointment to donate
Go to redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code Mount Logan Stake.
All who give blood, platelets or plasma by Nov. 22 will receive a $10 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.
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.