Something special happened on Feb. 27 when the American Red Cross of Utah recognized the Salt Lake County Library system and their growing impact on the region’s blood donations. Last year, the library system collected 2,220 units of blood. This was a 71% increase over the 1,296 units collected in 2024. 

“We wanted to recognize the efforts of the Salt Lake County Library system and when we saw a 71% increase in their blood donations, we wanted to present our recognition at one of their locations,” Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter Jeremiah Lafranca said. “It was our next big drive to be able to give out the awards. And, it’s a nice location for photos with the associate director of public services.” 

On the same day of their recognition, a blood drive was held for six hours at the Daybreak library. The county librarians are well- trained and competent in working alongside the Red Cross staff. These blood donations are important because they make a difference in improving and even saving peoples’ lives. There’s a person in the United States needing blood for surgeries, cancer treatments or traumatic injuries dozens of times per minute.

One pint of whole blood through different processing can be used to help up to three people. It’s divided into red blood cells, plasma and platelets. That division is how three people are helped depending on their specific needs. This modern component therapy allows medical professionals to maximize the impact of each single donation. 

General eligibility requirements for whole blood donation typically include three things. The donor must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be feeling well the day of donation. There are always snacks and juice for donors after their donation to prevent weakness or fainting.

“I’ve always been involved in community service and working for the American Red Cross has been a good fit,” Lafranca said. “I wanted to expand our service and working with the local libraries has been a successful choice. They have lots of foot traffic and it’s a friendly place for donations.” 

Blood donations from Red Cross donors help more than one hospital or clinic. ARUP is another organization for blood donations. They are connected to the University of Utah and are another reputable option for blood donation. Both organizations are excellent in providing professional service for blood donors.

“If ARUP were unable to supply blood from their donations, we would back them up,” Lafranca said. “It’s a two-way agreement and works both ways. We have success in Utah because of it being a service minded community.” 

Anyone willing can search for meaningful service and provide a gift for the life of others.  The actual donation process takes about 10 to15 minutes. Plan for the total appointment time being an hour to an hour and a half long. Helpful websites for donation information are: Redcross.org and Utahblood.org          

Daybreak blood donations with Red Cross at Salt Lake County library. (Photo courtesy American Red Cross)