Latter-day Saints commit $7.9 million to American Red Cross

The bulk of the funding targets the organization's Blood Services, facilitating the purchase of 50 advanced Power Red collection machines. These units enable donors to contribute two red blood cell units simultaneously, significantly increasing efficiency. A dedicated $2 million portion supports the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, a program that has seen a 91% surge in blood donations from Black and African American contributors since 2021.

Beyond medical infrastructure, the contribution funds four new emergency response vehicles. These units are designed to navigate disaster-stricken zones, providing immediate access to meals, water, and essential supplies. This partnership, which traces its origins back to correspondence between Clara Barton and Emmeline B. Wells in the late 19th century, remains a cornerstone of the Red Cross’s operational capacity. Last year alone, Church members facilitated nearly 3,000 blood drives, contributing over 94,100 units of blood to the national supply.