My all time favorite volunteer experience is donating platelets through Utah Blood.  I tried to donate on two occasions during this week and was unfortunately turned away due to a slight sore throat (even though I think it was allergy related). Bummer I couldn’t volunteer, but I understand their need to ad her to strict health rules. Though I couldn’t donate, I still wanted to post some information on Utah Blood.

Utah Blood (also known as ARUP Blood Services) is the sole provider of  blood to Huntsman Cancer, Primary Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children and University of Utah Hospital and Clinics.  These four (out of the total of 43) Utah hospitals represent 25% of the needed blood in Utah with any donations made directly helping someone within the SLC community.

Utah Blood is constantly trying to expand their platelet donor base as they need 25 people a day to fulfill the platelet needs within these four hospitals.  A platelet donation can be a bit more time consuming than a blood donation, taking anywhere from 80 minutes to 2 hours, but donors are constantly needed due to the short shelf life, a mere 5 days, of platelets.

For more information visit their site, subscribe to their Blood Blog, join their Facebook page or follow their twitter stream.  Or to make an appointment at their Research Park or Murray location, call 801-584-5272.