SALT LAKE CITY — The American Red Cross of Utah is urging residents to celebrate National Giving Month by donating blood and platelets to help prevent seasonal shortages.
Donations often decline during the holiday season as travel and festivities disrupt regular schedules. Simultaneously, the need for blood typically rises due to an increase in motor vehicle accidents and other winter emergencies. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for critical supplies used for trauma victims, cancer patients, and surgical emergencies.
“Our blood supply depends entirely on volunteer donors, and there is no substitute when donations fall short,” said Heidi Ruster, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Each donation supports real patients in hospitals today.”
The Red Cross is particularly calling for donors with type O positive, O negative, and B negative blood. Type O negative is especially vital as the universal blood type used in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group. Type B negative is rare, found in less than 2% of the population.
To encourage participation, the Red Cross is offering several incentives for December donors:
- Dec. 8–18: Donors will receive a $15 Amazon gift card via email.
- Dec. 19 – Jan. 4: Donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Individuals unable to donate blood can still contribute through financial donations or by volunteering as blood donor ambassadors. Appointments can be scheduled via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.