Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 22, 2024) — The Utah Jazz and Delta Air Lines are joining forces with the American Red Cross of Utah to host a blood drive at Delta Center to encourage fans and community members to help maintain the blood supply both locally and nationally. The blood drive is scheduled to take place on Monday, Feb. 26, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the main concourse at Delta Center, 301 S. Temple.
“The American Red Cross is proud of our enduring partnership with Delta Air Lines that goes back more than 75 years,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Blood donation is a simple act that can profoundly impact someone’s life. We invite the community to join us in helping to make a lifesaving difference.”
Despite 62% of the U.S. population being eligible to donate, only about 3% donates. “Yesterday's lives were saved because generous individuals donated blood, helping Red Cross supply hospitals with what they need,” Lafranca said. “Donate blood today and help ensure a stable blood supply.”
Make an appointment today
The Red Cross of Utah strongly encourages Utahns to schedule a donation appointment for Monday’s Utah Jazz/Delta blood drive. Donors can secure their spot using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code, DeltaJazz. Donors at Monday’s blood drive will receive a Utah Jazz and Delta mug and a $5 Starbucks gift card, courtesy of Delta.
If immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments for future dates to help maintain a steady blood supply. All February blood donors will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for more details.
Host a blood drive
The Red Cross of Utah invites businesses, churches, schools and community groups to host blood drives. Teaming up with the Red Cross to organize and host a blood drive provides an opportunity to give back to the community and make a significant difference. The Red Cross offers planning assistance and recruitment tools to help ensure your drive attracts donors. On the day of the drive, the Red Cross supplies equipment, materials and trained staff. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/host-a-drive.
Delta’s longstanding partnership
The American Red Cross is Delta’s longest standing nonprofit partner dating back to 1941 when Delta employees donated blood during WWII. Delta employees and customers donated over 15,000 units of blood last year making Delta the largest corporate blood drive sponsor in the U.S. with the Red Cross.
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.