University of Utah cheerleaders and the U’s mascot, Swoop, pose during the AirMed Helicopter Event at the ARUP Blood Services Sandy Donor Center. View photos from the event.

September 10, 2026
 

ARUP Blood Services helped fund vacations and staycations for 27 donors this summer through the Donation to Destination prize campaign. For each month of summer (June, July, and August), three donors from three different categories were randomly selected to win travel gift cards and memberships to local attractions.

In total:

  • Nine donors won $500 travel gift cards
  • Nine donors won $250 travel gift cards
  • Nine donors won $100 memberships

“We were thrilled to help so many of our donors go on vacation this summer,” said Deb Jordan, community relations supervisor at ARUP Blood Services. “No matter where you donate or why you donate, we are so incredibly grateful for your help in getting us through the busy summer months.”

This summer was especially challenging for the blood supply. For only the second time in history, a national blood shortage was declared, which also affected the local supply here in Utah.

“Despite so many incredible donors answering the call, we are still recovering from the heavy hit our blood supply took over the summer,” Jordan said.

Right now, ARUP Blood Services is urging Utah residents to rush in and donate to help the next person who needs it. They might be a child fighting cancer, a parent recovering from surgery, or a neighbor being rushed into the emergency room after a car crash. There’s no substitute for human blood; it must come from an eligible donor, and every donation made with ARUP stays in Utah to help local patients.

As summer comes to an end, ARUP Blood Services is now offering new promotions for donors this fall. With football season starting up, all donors who give in September will receive a “Rush In and Give Blood” football-themed T-shirt, a $10 Megaplex gift card, and will automatically be entered into drawings to win two tickets to the Utah vs. BYU football game, two tickets to the Utah vs. Kansas football game, and a football signed by Utah Utes Quarterback Devon Dampier.

ARUP Blood Services is the sole provider of blood products for University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics and the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Call 801-584-5272 or visit our Donor Portal to find out how you can donate.