Skip to main content

West Jordan partnering with Red Cross to address blood shortage

Feb 23, 2022 07:50PM ● By Linda Steele

American Red Cross staff member Kathryn Anderson prepares to take a blood donation from Ellie Cheung in 2018. (File photo American Red Cross)

By Linda Steele | [email protected]

Annual blood for the West is happening in 2022 in West Jordan. West Jordan leaders have teamed up with the Utah Red Cross for a quarterly blood drive.

“This is the second year the city has offered quarterly blood drives.” said Marie Majers, senior digital community specialist for West Jordan. The first blood drive of this year is already full. The blood drive is being held in Pioneer Hall, 1137 West 7800 South.

West Jordan officials knew there was a need for blood, and they wanted to make the donation process easy and accessible to West Jordan residents who wanted to participate. They decided to reach out to the Red Cross to partner in a blood drive in 2020.

By deciding to donate your blood, you can save a life, or several lives. There are at least three reasons to donate blood: 1) you could be prone to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, and heart attacks. By donating blood you are able to get rid of 225–250 milligrams of iron, which helps to prevent iron overload. 2) You can lower your cholesterol and get rid of lipids or fatty substances. This is important so that fat deposits don’t accumulate in your arteries. This helps lower your cholesterol level and reduce your risk for heart disease. 3) Donating blood can help your mental well-being. Knowing that you are helping a person in need is gratifying and uplifting. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Your blood can be separated into its components, such as red cells, platelets and plasma, which then can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

The first blood drive was held last March. Here are upcoming blood-drive dates:

Monday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The blood drive helps in emergencies and all those who need blood.


There is a severe blood shortage right now. Good neighbors in West Jordan want to give back to the community, and that is what the residents are doing is giving back and supporting the blood drive.

“We thought teaming up with the Utah Red Cross was a great opportunity to showcase just how giving our residents are,” Majers said. “We had a great turnout last year, and we expect that trend to continue. Recently the Red Cross had less than one day supply of critical blood types and had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. Being able to give makes people feel good and knowing that you’re giving and saving lives can make you feel great. Take an hour or so out of your day to give another chance at life.”

The following conditions prevent a person from temporarily donating blood:

Pregnancy
Acute fever
Recent alcoholic intake
Ear- or body-piercing surgery

The National Voluntary Blood Services Program suggest that the following are permanent conditions that prevent a person from donating blood:

Cancer
Cardiac disease
Severe lung disease
Hepatitis B and C
HIV, AIDS or STDs
High-risk occupation (prostitution)
Unexplained weight loss of 11 or more pounds In six months
Chronic alcoholism

You can check with your doctor if you feel like you need to make sure you can donate.

Remember; whenever you donate blood, you’re giving someone the opportunity to have a new lease on life, not to mention that you’re also giving your overall health a great boost. Consider donating.

The Utah Red Cross is a partner with West Jordan for these events. Participants must schedule their appointment online here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive You can find any other information regarding the red cross either online or by reaching out to a representative here at https://www.redcross.org/.