Utahns encouraged to donate blood By April 30 for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card, receive an exclusive Red Cross T-Shirt and help replenish vital blood supplies
This April, the American Red Cross invites Utahns to take part in the Springtime of Giving Sweepstakes, providing an exciting opportunity to make a lifesaving impact by donating blood. Donors this month will automatically be entered to win one of three $5,000 gift cards, and as a gesture of gratitude, all participants will receive an exclusive Buddy the Blood Drop T-shirt.
“Donating blood isn’t just about saving lives—it’s about creating moments that matter. Every drop you give could mean a parent holding their child again, a friend sharing one more laugh, or someone in our community getting another chance at tomorrow. Be the reason someone gets their moment,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter.
For Benjamin, the mission of blood donation is deeply personal. After experiencing a medical emergency requiring four units of blood, he shared his appreciation for those who donate blood selflessly, saying, “I used to donate because I knew there was always a need for blood, and it was the right thing to do. When I needed a transfusion, four generous donors ensured the blood I needed was available when I needed it most.”
Need for Blood Donations
Recent severe weather nationwide has led to over 1,000 canceled blood drives, resulting in more than 30,000 uncollected blood donations. This has created a strain on the nation’s blood supply. The Red Cross serves as a lifeline for hospitals across the country, providing 40% of the nation’s blood supply. Locally, nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on Red Cross donations to care for patients in need.
The Red Cross is urging residents to schedule a blood donation in the coming weeks to help stabilize the supply and meet patient needs. Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/Give-Blood, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If immediate appointments are unavailable, donors are encouraged to schedule for a later date.
To meet demand at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations daily.
Special Incentives for Donors
All blood donors who give in April will be automatically entered into the Springtime of Giving Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. Additional rewards include a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card, which will be emailed to donors who give between April 1-13, 2025, and an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt for those who donate between April 14-30, 2025, while supplies last. For full details on these exciting incentives, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.
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.
