Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 21, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah is calling on people with type O positive and O negative blood to donate now to help prevent a critical shortage during the holidays, when travel and busy schedules can make it more difficult to maintain the blood supply.
While donations of all blood types are needed, maintaining a stable supply of type O blood is especially important heading into the holidays. Hospitals rely on O positive and O negative blood every day for emergencies, surgeries and cancer treatment, and demand for blood continues throughout the holiday season.
“We don’t want to be in a position where we’re asking people to donate because blood supplies have already reached critical levels,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Making an appointment now is one way donors can help us avoid that situation during the holidays.”
Why Type O Blood Matters
Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any positive blood type, which includes about 80% of the population.
Type O negative is the universal blood donor type and can be transfused to patients of any blood type, making it essential for emergency care. Only about 7% of the population has O negative blood.
The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, serving more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals depend on Red Cross blood donations. Nationwide, the Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood donation and 3,000 platelet donations every day to help meet patient needs.
Holiday Schedules Can Disrupt Blood Donations
With Thanksgiving and the December holidays approaching, travel, school breaks and holiday activities can leave fewer people available to donate blood.
Maintaining a steady blood supply requires regular donations because blood cannot be stored indefinitely. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets must be used within five days. A recent Red Cross survey found that fewer than 1 in 5 respondents knew blood has a limited shelf life.
Make a Blood Donation Appointment Today
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). All who come to give Oct. 19-Nov. 22, 2026, will receive up to $20 in gift cards, including a $10 Amazon Gift Card and 500 bonus points that can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze for details.
In Utah, the Red Cross collected 138,396 units of blood during 4,281 blood drives in 2025. During the first seven months of 2026, 84,511 units were collected at 2,442 blood drives.
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.
