200 Blood Drives Completed in North Central US  

As COVID-19 caused a downturn in blood donations throughout the U.S. in 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with several blood drive organizations to provide lifesaving blood.

When the pandemic began to spread in early 2020, the blood shortage became critical. “Blood donation is essential to ensuring the health of our communities," said Leslie Schaffer, Central Iowa Chapter Executive of the American Red Cross. “The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need.”

When Schaffer told Susan Sims, Church communication director over Iowa, of the urgent need, Sims invited several Church congregations to consider sponsoring blood drives in their buildings under strict COVID-19 safety protocols.  

Within three weeks, a dozen drives were scheduled and Latter-day Saint donors responded. Across 14 states in the Church’s United States Central Area, the faith hosted 200 blood drives in its meetinghouses.  

“The response was heartwarming,” said Schaffer. “I had never experienced such an outpouring of care and concern for the greater good.” 

Katie Moon, a JustServe Specialist in Colorado, helped organize blood drives in the state. 

“We immediately got to work figuring out all of the logistics of doing a state-wide initiative in partnership with Vitalant,” Moon said.  

Vitalant, a blood service provider, partnered with the Church and together hosted 40 blood drives. 

“We are grateful for the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the various congregations across Colorado whose support has helped tremendously to make up for COVID-related blood drive cancellations throughout this pandemic,” said Dan Reed, Vitalant Sr. Manager of Donor Recruitment. “As the need for blood continues, ensuring a safe and ready supply for patients every day is vital.” 

More than 4,300 people around the country have received blood donated by Latter-day Saints and friends of the faith in Denver, Colorado.  

“The Red Cross is grateful for the increased efforts and strategic approach that the Church took to help patients in need of lifesaving blood,” said Sharon Jaksa, divisional vice president of the Red Cross South West and Rocky Mountain Division. “During these unprecedented times it is collaborative efforts like this that help meet our mission.”  

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, North America Central Area president, thanked the Latter-day Saint community for offering “this profound personal gift of blood” to those who need it during the pandemic.   

“It is remarkable what can happen when there is a need, a vision and wonderful organizations with talented caring people to assist those in need,” said Elder Nielsen.