Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 1, 2023) — As families gather for Fourth of July celebrations, the American Red Cross of Utah staff and volunteers at blood donation centers in Salt Lake City, Lehi and Layton will be working on Tuesday providing a unique opportunity for the community to celebrate the holiday and contribute to a lifesaving cause.
"By keeping these donation centers open on Independence Day, we hope to inspire a sense of patriotism through the act of giving blood and helping those in need,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Summer is often a challenging time for blood donations, and we encourage everyone to join us in making a positive impact during this important holiday.”
During the summer, blood donations often decrease due to vacations, travel and other seasonal activities. This decline in donations can strain the blood supply and pose potential challenges for patients in need. “This strategic timing allows for donors to start their Fourth of July celebrations with a selfless act of giving and then enjoy time with their families and the fireworks displays,” Lafranca said.
The following donation centers will be open on Tuesday, July 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Make an appointment to secure your Fourth of July donation
Donors of all blood types – particularly type O, the blood group hospitals use most – are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet demand. 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). Those giving blood July 1-11 will receive an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/gifts.
Blood donation is a vital component of emergency medical care, routine surgeries and treatments. “Every day our trusted team of Red Cross of Utah nurses, phlebotomists and volunteers play a critical role in helping ensure lifesaving blood is available to patients in need,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. “On Tuesday, our team will celebrate the holiday on the job, trusting that first-time donors, along with regular donors, will schedule appointments and help increase the blood supply.”
Concerning shortfall in donations
The Red Cross nationwide collected about 26,000 fewer blood donations than were needed in May to meet the demand of patients. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and needs to collect about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily to meet demand. “This year’s decline in donations can strain the supply, meaning hospitals might not have what they need to save lives,” Lafranca stressed. "And remember that any one of us – or our loved ones, neighbors, friends – may experience an accident or illness requiring a lifesaving transfusion. But in the United States, where approximately 62% of the population is eligible to donate, only about 3% actually does."
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.