Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 24, 2025) — 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 essential for clotting and play a vital role in treating various health conditions, including cancer, chronic diseases and traumatic injuries. With a shelf life of just five to seven days, the need for platelet donations is constant and urgent.
“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and to give back,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Donating platelets is a powerful way to show gratitude and make a real difference. Your donation could be the gift of hope for a patient and their family this holiday season.”
Thanksgiving Day Donation Centers
The following Red Cross donation centers will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27:
How to Schedule an Appointment
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. 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 codes SaltLakeCityUT, LaytonUT or LehiUT to make an appointment at one of the donation centers. If immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for future dates to help maintain a steady blood and platelet supply.
Why Platelet Donations Matter
Platelet donations are unique because they must be used within days of collection, making regular donations critical. The process, known as apheresis, separates platelets from the blood and returns the remaining components to the donor. It takes about two hours, during which donors can relax, watch a movie, or read a book. Platelets can be donated every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
“Every platelet donation helps patients facing life-threatening conditions,” Ruster added. “On Thanksgiving morning, our dedicated team will be working to ensure that no patient in need is forgotten, even on a holiday.”
Celebrate PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary While Giving Back
As a special thank-you, the Red Cross is teaming up with PAC-MAN to celebrate 45 years of gaming. Donors who give blood, platelets or plasma between Nov. 17 and Dec. 7, 2025, will receive exclusive Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks and a custom PAC-MAN GASHAPON® collectible capsule toy, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/PACMAN.
Free A1C Testing for November Donors
In addition, all successful donations in November include free A1C testing (one result per donor in a 12-month period). This is an important opportunity to monitor health with a critical measure of blood sugar levels that can provide early insights into diabetes risk while making a lifesaving impact. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/diabetes.
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.
