Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 29, 2026) — Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is partnering with the American Red Cross of Utah to host a series of blood drives across four of its campuses beginning Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. The drives will give students, faculty, staff and community members the opportunity to donate blood and help address the critical national blood shortage.
The American Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage, with the national blood supply down about 35% over the past month. A combination of widespread flu cases and severe winter weather has disrupted blood collection efforts, keeping donors from giving and canceling hundreds of blood drives nationwide. The shortage puts trauma victims, cancer patients and others who rely on transfusions at risk, making events like SLCC’s blood drives vital to rebuilding the blood supply.
“We’re grateful to partner with Salt Lake Community College to help meet the urgent need for blood donations,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “By hosting blood drives on multiple campuses, SLCC is making it easier for students, staff and community members to donate and support patients who depend on lifesaving blood every day.”
SLCC Blood Drive Schedule
How to Donate
Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code SLCC to sign up for one of the community college campus drives.
National Blood Shortage Crisis
Recent winter storms impacting nearly half the U.S. population forced the cancellation of approximately 600 blood drives since last week, resulting in more than 15,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This comes on top of more than 400 blood drives canceled last month due to extreme weather, further straining the national blood supply. The need is especially urgent for blood types O, A negative and B negative.
Special Incentives for Donors
As a thank-you, all who come to give blood between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Terms and additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.
Become a Blood Drive Host
The Red Cross of Utah encourages businesses, schools, churches and community groups to host blood drives. The Red Cross provides planning support, recruitment tools and trained staff to ensure successful events. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/host-a-drive.
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.
