Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 27, 2024) — This Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross of Utah encourages the community to share gratitude in a lifesaving way. On Thanksgiving Day, Red Cross blood donation centers will be open to collect vital platelet donations – an essential gift that helps patients in need.
Platelets are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that are crucial for clotting and preventing bleeding. They play a vital role in treating various health conditions, including cancer, chronic diseases and traumatic injuries. Due to their short shelf life of just five days, there is a constant need for fresh platelet donations.
“Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude and giving back,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Donating platelets is a profound way to give thanks and potentially save a life. Your donation could be the lifeline a patient and their family are desperately hoping for this holiday season.”
The following Red Cross donation centers will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
The Red Cross of Utah encourages everyone to consider giving platelets this Thanksgiving. It’s a meaningful way to express gratitude and bring hope to someone in need. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for future dates to help maintain a steady blood and platelet supply.
What to Expect When Donating Platelets
Platelet donation, known as apheresis, differs slightly from whole blood donation. During the process, blood is drawn and passed through a machine that separates the platelets, then returns plasma, red cells and white cells back to the donor. While the procedure takes about two hours, skilled Red Cross phlebotomists are there every step of the way to ensure platelet donors’ comfort and support.
“Blood and platelet donations are critical to emergency care, routine surgeries and lifesaving treatments,” Ruster said. “On Thanksgiving morning, our dedicated team of nurses, phlebotomists and volunteers will be working to maintain this indispensable supply. Their commitment ensures that patients in need aren’t forgotten, even on a holiday.”
Celebrate FRIENDS’ 30th Anniversary While Giving Back
As a special acknowledgment this holiday season, the American Red Cross is partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved show, FRIENDS. Those who donate blood or platelets between now and Dec. 8 will receive two exclusive pairs of FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, while supplies last. These limited-edition socks cannot be purchased and are offered as a unique token of appreciation to blood and platelet donors. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Friends.
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.