Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (June 10, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah announced today about 26,000 fewer blood donations were collected nationwide than needed in May to meet the demand of patients. This deficit threatens to strain the Red Cross blood supply, posing a possible risk to patient care. Locally, donations last month were also down.
The shortfall comes at as the Red Cross of Utah is joining the global community on World Blood Donor Day, Wednesday, June 14, to raise awareness locally about the importance of blood donation. The annual observance is a reminder of the invaluable contribution made by blood donors worldwide and the constant need to increase donations for lifesaving transfusions.
"World Blood Donor Day is a time to acknowledge the selflessness and generosity of blood donors who play a critical role in healthcare systems worldwide,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. “This is also a day to remind all potential donors that they can be a lifeline for patients in need, providing vital blood during emergencies and medical treatments.”
Unfortunately, the Red Cross often sees a donation decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day. “The importance of blood donation cannot be overstated and the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t stop,” Dr. Kelley said.
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, collecting about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations every day to meet demand. “Our donors are literally the life blood for those undergoing medical procedures and treatments at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Any of us could be in an accident and suffer a traumatic injury requiring a transfusion; yet, in the U.S., where 62% of the population is eligible to give, only about 3% does. We strive to raise this percentage for the benefit of all, and we aim to achieve this goal by Independence Day with the help of the community.”
Give now and help save lives
Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Give blood by June 30, 2023, and receive a $10 gift card by email, and be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package, including a projector, screen and smokeless firepit. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
World Blood Donor Day history
Started in 2004 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World Health Organization and other international partners. The annual event is held on June 14, coinciding with the birthday of Austrian biologist and physician Karl Landsteiner (1868–19430), considered the founder of modern blood transfusion. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for discovering the ABO blood typing system, leading to the safe transfusion of blood.
About the American Red Cross
The 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 nonprofit organization depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
