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

SALT LAKE CITY (July 8, 2023) — The American Red Cross has noticed a concerning trend this summer: the nation's blood supply is being depleted faster than blood donations are coming in, resulting in a shortfall of about 50,000 donations over the past two months. To raise awareness about this deficit and encourage more donations, the Red Cross has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week, July 17-31, and the Aug. 6 theatrical release of science fiction thriller film: Meg 2: The Trench.

This exciting collaboration aims to engage the public in a summer of sharks while simultaneously replenishing the national blood supply. All those who come to donate blood between July 17 and July 31 will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, exclusively available at Red Cross blood drives and donation centers (while supplies last).

"Blood donations are a lifeline for patients in need, and the current shortage is a cause for concern," said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. "By partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery during the well-known Shark Week, we hope to bring attention to the need for blood donations at a critical time.”

The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, needing to collect about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily to meet demand. “This summer’s decline in donations can strain the supply, meaning hospitals might not have what they need to save lives,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. "And any one of us – family member, neighbor, close friend – could need a life-saving blood transfusion due to an accident or illness."

Give now. Help save lives
Schedule a donor appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types are needed – particularly type O, the blood group hospitals use most.

Blood donation has its rewards
The Red Cross is offering additional time-sensitive gifts to donors who give blood or platelets.

• Give blood by July 11: Receive an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, available while supplies last. Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
• Give blood by July 16: Receive a limited-time bonus $15 gift card by email to a merchant of choice.
• Give blood July 12-Aug 12: Be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Further details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.

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.