Red Cross Giving Day returns as blood supplies remain critically low

SALT LAKE CITY — Wednesday is the Red Cross’ annual Giving Day — an opportunity for communities to come together and help families get back on their feet.

The University of Utah partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. With blood donations at a critical low, Utahns can do their part and give back.

Anne Cooke is a professor of Education at the University of Utah. She’s taking a break from classes to help save lives by donating blood.

“I know during the pandemic blood donations were down and very critical,” Cooke said. “I had a family member who benefited from blood donation in the past, so it’s very important to me.”

Imagine needing shelter, food and support after a natural disaster. This is a family's reality every day across the U.S.

Thanks to the Malott Family Foundation, your gift can go twice as far. Donations made today will be matched up to $200K: https://t.co/3M94qfmHet #HelpCantWait pic.twitter.com/w0dIZnA7Wx

— American Red Cross (@RedCross) March 23, 2022

The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, but since the pandemic began, blood donations have dropped 10%.

“We’ve been in crisis mode with blood service,” said Sheri Vanbibber with the American Red Cross.

The nonprofit is run by 95% volunteers, so contributions go a long way in helping people devastated by natural disasters and other emergencies – all around the world.

“One pint helps three people. It only lives for 42 days, so it’s a very quick turnaround,” Vanbibber said. “And a very quick pay it forward.”

If you would like to contribute on this Giving Day, click here.

Tomorrow is #RedCross Giving Day ⛑️, a day when local communities come together to help people who have been impacted by a home fire or other disaster and urgently need Red Cross services to get back on their feet. For these families, #HelpCantWait: https://t.co/H9DgVRqe7l pic.twitter.com/HVk1BhSHTZ

— American Red Cross of Utah (@RedCrossUtah) March 23, 2022