Collection centers open July 4 providing the community another opportunity to give
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 Thursday 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.”
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.
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. “The centers are open earlier in the day, so donors start their Fourth of July celebrations with a selfless act of giving and then enjoy time with their families and fireworks displays,” Lafranca said.
Donation centers will be open on Thursday, July 4, at the following times and locations:
- Salt Lake Donation Center: 6616 South 900 East (6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
- Lehi Donation Center: 310 North 850 East (6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
- Layton Donation Center: 852 W. Field Rd. (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Make an appointment to secure your Fourth of July donation now
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).
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,” Lafranca said. “On Thursday, our team will celebrate the holiday on the job, and we count on the support of both new and regular donors to boost the blood supply.”
Rewarding every blood donor
The Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures for the theatrical release of TWISTERS to help avoid a summer blood shortage. All who come to give blood or platelets July 1-31 will get a Fandango Movie Ticket by email. Plus, those who come to give by July 14 will also receive a one-of-a-kind TWISTERS and Red Cross umbrella, while supplies last. BONUS: Those who come to give blood in July will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn®. See RedCrossBlood.org/Twisters for full details.
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.
