Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 19, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah is urging donors to give blood now to help strengthen the blood supply as the traditional summer donation lull overlaps with “trauma season,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that brings an increase in traumatic injuries.
“Blood is used every day for patients facing serious injuries, surgeries, cancer treatments and other medical needs,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “When people give now, they help ensure hospitals have blood available for emergencies and ongoing patient care throughout the summer.”
Type O donors are especially needed because their blood plays a critical role in emergency care. Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and is compatible with about 85% of the population. Type O negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, making it especially important in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Only about 7% of the population has type O negative blood, yet it’s often in high demand.
Trauma Season Increases Need for Blood
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, “trauma season” brings a rise in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports injuries and other summer activities. These emergencies drive higher-than-usual demand for blood transfusions during the summer.
Roughly 25% of trauma patients require transfusions, with 3% to 5% needing massive transfusions of 10 or more units of blood. A single car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood, a demand that can quickly strain a hospital’s supply and affect blood availability across the area.
How to Donate
Blood donation appointments are available through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Those who come to give blood by May 31, 2026, will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last. Those who give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card and automatic entry for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Locally, nearly 45 hospitals in Utah depend on Red Cross blood donations. The Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations nationwide every day to support hospitals and patients.
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.
