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American Red Cross in need of Blood, Platelet donations in wake of Hurricane Florence

American Red Cross

American Red CrossNashville, TN – As the American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Florence, providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected, individuals outside the affected areas are urged to help by giving blood or platelets to care for patients in the storm’s path and across the country.

People can also help by making a financial donation to support relief efforts.

Thousands of lifesaving blood donations have gone uncollected due to drive cancellations forced by the hurricane, but patients still need critical medical care. (Amanda Romney/American Red Cross)
Thousands of lifesaving blood donations have gone uncollected due to drive cancellations forced by the hurricane, but patients still need critical medical care. (Amanda Romney/American Red Cross)

Hurricane’s impact on blood and platelet donations

Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and also took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. 

“Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, American Red Cross Blood Services. “There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies. Every donation can be a lifeline for patients.”

How to help

Donors of all blood types are urged to help restore hope to patients across the country by making an appointment today to give blood or platelets. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1.800.RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10.00 donation.

Up-to-date information about how the American Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Florence is available at RedCross.org

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, Sept. 20-Oct. 15 

Burns Church of Christ
2718 Church Street
Burns, TN. 37029

10/9/2018: 3:00pm-7:00pm

First Baptist Church Dickson
2501 Highway 70 East
Dickson, TN. 37055

9/17/2018: 2:00pm-7:00pm

YMCA Dickson
301 Henslee Drive
Dickson, TN. 37055

9/25/2018: 3:00pm-7:00pm

Tennesco Community Center
115 Tennesco Drive
Dickson, TN. 37055

10/10/2018: 12:30pm-5:30pm

Walnut Street Church of Christ
201 Center Avenue
Dickson, TN. 37055

10/11/2018: 10:30am-3:30pm

American Red Cross
1760 Madison Street
Clarksville, TN. 37043

9/17/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm

9/24/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm

10/1/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm

10/8/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm

10/15/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm

APSU Foy Fitness and Recreation Center
521 Marion Street
Clarksville, TN. 37044

10/9/2018: 11:00am-4:00pm

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.

To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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