Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

What:   The American Red Cross of Utah will honor Salt Lake County Library Director Joey McNamee and the Salt Lake County Library system with a recognition plaque for their outstanding partnership in hosting blood drives.
When:  Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Where: Daybreak Library Branch, 11358 Grandville Ave., South Jordan
Also Happening: A blood drive will be held at the Daybreak Library Branch on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 26, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah will recognize Salt Lake County Library on Friday for its growing impact on the region’s blood supply after the library system collected 2,220 blood units in 2025, up from 1,296 in 2024, a 71% increase. A plaque will be presented honoring the entire library system at the Daybreak branch on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m.

With 17 library branches hosting blood drives, the County Library has become one of the Red Cross’s strongest community partners in Utah, helping connect donors with blood drive appointments in neighborhoods across the county. That support comes at a critical time. Severe winter weather has already canceled more than 750 Red Cross blood drives nationwide since the start of the year, leaving more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations uncollected and worsening the national blood shortage.

“Salt Lake County Library has become an extraordinary partner in our mission to save lives through blood donation,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “The library system’s commitment to hosting blood drives across so many branches has made it easier for people to donate close to home, and that partnership is making a real difference for patients who depend on blood every day.”

Community Partnership
The County Library branches serve communities across the county, making them strong locations for blood drives and community service. By hosting drives throughout the system, the County Library has made blood donation more convenient and accessible for residents across Salt Lake County.

“We’re proud to partner with the Red Cross in a way that supports our community and gives people another meaningful way to help others,” said Joey McNamee, Director of the County Library. “Hosting blood drives at our branches is a natural extension of the library’s role as a trusted community resource.”

How to Donate
Blood donation appointments are available through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). In March 2026, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31, 2026, will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/March. 

The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Locally, nearly 45 hospitals in Utah depend on Red Cross donations to help meet patient needs. To maintain adequate supplies, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day.

Patient Care at Risk
Shortfalls in blood and platelet donations caused by winter storms continue to strain the national blood supply, increasing the risk of delays in patient care. Hospitals rely on a stable blood inventory for emergency treatment, surgeries, cancer care and chronic medical conditions that require transfusions. When supplies run low, it becomes harder to ensure blood is available when and where it is needed most.

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.