Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
MAPLETON, Utah (June 11, 2024) — In honor of Father’s Day, the Mapleton City Fire Department is hosting a blood drive to encourage people to “Donate for Dads,” to pay tribute and to help all patients, including fathers, who need lifesaving blood transfusions. The blood drive is scheduled to take place on Friday, Feb. 14, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mapleton City Center, 125 West 400 North, Mapleton, UT 84664.
“This Father’s Day let's show our appreciation for fathers by contributing through blood donation. Your generous gesture today could be the lifeline that allows a father to enjoy another Father’s Day,” said Fire Chief Nick Glasgow emphasizing the critical role of blood donations in saving lives. “I encourage the community to unite with us in donating blood in honor of Father’s Day.”
Lisa Hone, who helps organize Mapleton Fire blood drives, shared her personal connection to the cause, highlighting the importance of blood donations during her father's battle with cancer. “I started donating because of my dad,” she said. “Whether it's someone you know or even yourself in need, donating blood can make a significant difference. Your contribution may not only benefit your father but someone else's as well.”
The American Red Cross is facing a significant shortage of over 20,000 blood donations nationwide in the last few weeks, stressing the urgency to bolster the national blood supply.
Secure Your Spot at the Mapleton Fire Department’s “Donate for Dads” Drive
Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code MAPLETONFIRE to book an appointment for Friday's blood drive. If immediate donation opportunities are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule future appointments to help maintain a steady blood supply. Those who come to give June 10-30, 2024, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood.
“Blood donation is a simple act that can profoundly impact someone’s life,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “There are patients who need blood products to survive. Simply put, the availability of blood and platelets can be the difference between life and death.”
Become a Blood Drive Host
In addition to donating blood, Hone organizes four annual Red Cross blood drives for the Mapleton Fire Department. Apart from the upcoming “Donate for Dads” event, Mapleton Fire will host upcoming blood drives on August 9 and December 6.
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. 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.
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.