Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 18, 2026) — During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross of Utah is asking all Utahns to give blood because a diverse blood supply is important to the health of the community. Today, the Red Cross is also premiering Iconic Excellence: The Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew, a new documentary about the pioneering African American physician and researcher whose work helped advance modern blood collection and storage.
This year marks the 85th anniversary of Dr. Drew’s appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program. The documentary highlights his breakthroughs in blood plasma preservation, his leadership in medicine and his opposition to policies that segregated blood by race. The film is available beginning Sept. 18 on the American Red Cross YouTube channel. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/IconicExcellence for more information.
“Many people with sickle cell disease depend on regular transfusions, and the closest possible blood match can be especially important,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “A diverse donor base gives us a better chance of finding those matches. That is one reason Dr. Drew’s legacy still resonates 85 years later.”
Blood Donations and Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States, the majority of whom are Black or African American. Many people with sickle cell disease rely on regular blood transfusions as part of their treatment.
Because repeated transfusions can increase the risk of complications, closely matched blood can be especially important. Black or African American blood donors are nearly three times more likely than donors of other races or ethnicities to provide the blood most commonly needed by people with sickle cell disease.
Sickle Cell Trait Screening
During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Red Cross is screening blood donations from self-identified multiracial and Black or African American donors for sickle cell trait. The screening can help identify blood that is especially compatible for people with sickle cell disease. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/SickleCell.
Appointments to give blood or platelets can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty® plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty. Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.
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.
