Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (June 14, 2026) — On World Blood Donor Day, the American Red Cross of Utah is recognizing blood donors whose generosity helps keep blood available for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications and trauma care.
Last year, more than 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, helping collect more than 4.6 million blood donations and 1.1 million platelet donations for patients across the country. Nearly 500,000 people donated blood for the first time, and the Red Cross also saw increased participation among Black, Latino and Gen Z donors.
That participation is especially important now, as scheduled blood donation appointments have dropped sharply nationwide, contributing to a decline of several thousand units in the blood supply in just one week as the summer donation slowdown begins.
“Modern medicine depends on having blood available when patients need it, and that supply starts with donors,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “World Blood Donor Day is a chance to recognize the people who make that care possible for trauma patients, new mothers, people with cancer and many others.”
Decline in Scheduled Donations
About 90% of blood donations come from scheduled appointments, making appointment trends a key indicator of blood supply stability. In recent weeks, appointments have dropped sharply nationwide, contributing to a decline of several thousand units in just one week.
Blood donations often decrease during the summer as the school year ends, families travel and regular routines change. At the same time, hospitals continue to need blood every day. Because blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, regular donations remain essential to maintaining a stable supply.
How to Donate
Donors can view available times and 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).
Those who come to give blood June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card and be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
About World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day was established in 2004 by the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other global partners. It is held each year on June 14, the birthday of Dr. Karl Landsteiner, the Austrian physician and biologist whose identification of blood types helped make transfusions safer.
This year marks the 23rd World Blood Donor Day and Landsteiner’s 158th birthday. World Blood Donor Day recognizes blood donors and brings attention to the ongoing need for a safe, stable blood supply.
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.
