Red Cross of Utah encourages platelet donations amid national shortage

First time platelet donors will receive an additional $40 e-gift card to your choice of merchant.

The American Red Cross is asking Utahns to donate platelets as a national shortage creates a critical need for donors. Platelets are essential for blood clotting and are often used to help patients undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from major surgery or being treated for serious injuries.

Platelets are small cell fragments that help clot the blood and stop active bleeding. Nearly 50% of all donated platelets go towards cancer patients, and regular blood and platelet transfusions are critical for patient care. 

A low platelet count can affect a patient’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and even stop bleeding during surgical procedures. However, the shelf life for platelets only five days, meaning the need for new donors is constant. 

 
Thank-You for First-Time Platelet Donors

First-time platelet donors who give by Nov. 30 will receive an additional $40 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/GivePlatelets for details and to schedule an appointment. 

Those who come to give blood or platelets Sept. 21-Oct. 18 will also receive a $15 e-gift card. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.

 
Platelet Donation Process 
Platelet donations take a little longer, about 2.5 to 3 hours, compared to a typical blood donation. During this process, blood is drawn from one arm, platelets are separated out, and the remaining components are returned to you.

Many donors enjoy watching a movie, TV show, or listening to music during their appointment. Additionally, a smaller needle is used during platelet donations compared to whole blood which can be more comfortable for first time donors. 

A single platelet donation can yield enough for three patients, the equivalent to what would normally require up to five whole blood donations. Because platelets replenish quickly, donors may be able to give platelets up to 24 times a year, compared to just six times a year for whole blood donations.

Book an Appointment  
Platelet donation appointments are available at Red Cross Blood Donation Centers in Salt Lake City, Lehi and Layton. Donors can view available times and schedule through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor codes SaltLakeCityUT, LaytonUT or LehiUT to make an appointment at one of the Utah donation centers.

Salt Lake Donation Center 
6616 S 900 E, Murray

Lehi Donation Center 
310 N 850 E, Lehi

Layton Donation Center 
852 W. Hill Field Rd., Layton