State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Promotes the Lifesaving Gift of Blood Donation
HELENA, Mont. – Marking the 7th Day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged eligible Montanans to give the lifesaving gift of blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana.
“Every Montanan who donates blood gives the gift of life to someone in need,” Gov. Gianforte said. “If Montanans are able, I encourage them to find an American Red Cross of Montana blood drive near them and donate blood this holiday season.”
Highlighted during the governor’s 12 Days of Giving campaign in 2021 and 2022, the American Red Cross of Montana hosts blood drives daily across the state. In 2022, the nonprofit collected 44,264 units of lifesaving blood at 1,453 drives.
“During this season of giving and gratitude, we are incredibly grateful for all Montanans who roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Countless lives are saved each year because of you,” American Red Cross of Montana Executive Director Diane Wright said. “Blood can’t be manufactured – the only way to keep hospital shelves stocked with these vital blood products is through the kindness and compassion of our donors. We join Governor Gianforte and encourage anyone who can give the gift of life this holiday season to please make an appointment to donate blood today.”
To find a local blood drive or to become a donor ambassador with the American Red Cross of Montana, Montanans can visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Running through December 13, the governor’s third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.
- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Kalispell.
- On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the third annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hi-Line Home Programs in Sidney.
- On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Eagle Mount as it empowers Montanans living with disabilities through outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities.
- On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.
- On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to The LifeGuard Group in Missoula.
- On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.
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