American Red Cross of Utah announces $5.1 million donation from LDS Church

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has gifted over $5 million to the American Red Cross, according to a press release from the American Red Cross of Utah.

Every year, the Church provides a sizeable donation to the American Red Cross. This year’s gift will be used to provide new equipment for blood donation programs, fund sickle cell disease treatment programs, and other critical efforts being performed by the Red Cross.

“The Church’s donation will support Red Cross efforts and initiatives in Utah and across the country,” Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, states in the press release. “But this partnership goes far beyond funding. It’s a testament to our shared dedication to serving and supporting those in need.”

Currently, the Church is the “largest single contributor” to blood drives, and members reportedly donate approximately 97,000 units annually. The American Red Cross of Utah reports that more than 1 million units of blood were collected across more than 37,000 Church-hosted blood drives since their first drive in 1996.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the American Red Cross have joined together for humanitarian initiatives for more than a century, according to the press release. The Red Cross founder, Clara Barton, and Church Relief Society President Emmeline B. Wells worked together to assemble comfort kits for soldiers, which led to the creation of the Salt Lake City chapter.

“Through our collaboration, we are increasing blood donations, advancing sickle cell disease treatment and strengthening our ability to bless millions of lives,” Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, is quoted in the release. “By uniting our efforts, we extend the Savior’s love to those in need.”

Last year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $7.35 million to support the American Red Cross. Earlier this year, they also provided a $1.2 million donation for relief efforts following the Southern California wildfires.