SALT LAKE CITY — As the deadliest stretch of summer has arrived, emergency responders are calling on Utah residents for support.
The American Red Cross collected more than 20,000 fewer donations than needed to maintain its blood supply over the recent weeks, according to a recent press release. With World Blood Donor Day approaching on Friday, June 14, the Red Cross of Utah is urging locals to donate blood.
“Given that a single severe car crash can exhaust a hospital’s blood inventory, we strongly encourage donors of all blood types to contribute, particularly those with O negative blood, the universal donor type,” Red Cross of Utah said in the news release.
During the summer months, vacations and school breaks lead to a decrease in donations, the media release continued. Yet this period also marks a spike in demand due to the “100 deadliest days” of summer – spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day – when traffic incidents escalate.
The shortfall comes as the Red Cross of Utah is joining the global community on the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness locally, and worldwide, about the importance of blood donation.
“World Blood Donor Day is a moment to honor the selflessness and generosity of blood donors who are pivotal in healthcare systems globally,” said Heidi Ruster, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “It’s also an opportunity to remind potential donors that their contributions can be a lifeline for patients in need, providing essential blood during emergencies and medical interventions.”
O negative blood
The summer months typically experience a decline in donations, coinciding with a surge in the demand for lifesaving blood transfusions, Red Cross of Utah added.
A single major accident with injuries can swiftly deplete a hospital’s entire blood inventory, Ruster stressed.
“Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate now,” she said. “The need for O negative blood, the universal blood type, is particularly pressing to ensure trauma centers are well-equipped when time is of the essence.”
The Red Cross plays a pivotal role in maintaining the country’s blood supply, contributing around 40% of all collected blood. To meet the needs of patients at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide, the Red Cross must collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Southern Utah donors can schedule appointments by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate June 10-30, 2024, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. For more information, visit the website.