Where to donate blood in Utah during the national shortage

• That could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that require blood transfusions.

Context: Blood demand typically spikes nationally each summer, but this year extreme heat, bad air and widespread foodborne illnesses are driving donors away in many states.

Zoom in: "Although appointments remain strong in Utah, the Red Cross relies on our strong donor base" to support other states and regions, says Lily McCormick, American Red Cross spokesperson for Utah and Nevada.

Case in point: Last week Iowa had only enough of certain blood types to last one to three days, Axios Des Moines reported.

How to help: You can make a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

• Find the donation site closest to you on Utah's list.