41.1 F
Clarksville
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeEventsAmerican Red Cross calls for healthy donors to maintain Blood supply

American Red Cross calls for healthy donors to maintain Blood supply

American Red Cross

American Red CrossNashville, TN – As influenza activity picks up, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need.

Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well. One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall.

LaDeodra Drummond donates blood. (Jeanette Ortiz-Osorio/American Red Cross)
LaDeodra Drummond donates blood. (Jeanette Ortiz-Osorio/American Red Cross)
Members of Congress and staff roll up a sleeve in honor of Representative Steve Scalise and those wounded during a terrible shooting on June 14, 2017 in Alexandria, Virginia. In this photo, LaDeodra Drummond donates blood at the event. Photos by Jeanette Ortiz-Osorio/American Red Cross

There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed this fall after Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Florence forced the cancellation of about 200 blood drives, causing approximately 7,000 units of blood and platelets to go uncollected.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities November 1st-15th

Todd Central High School
806 South Main Street
Elkton, KY. 42220

11/1/2018: 8:30am – 1:30pm

Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian
500 Highway 70 East
Dickson, TN. 37055

11/8/2018: 12:30pm – 5:30pm

American Red Cross
1760 Madison Street
Clarksville, TN. 37043

11/5/2018: 10:30am – 4:30pm.

11/12/2018: 10:30am – 4:30pm.

Northwest High School
800 Lafayette Road
Clarksville, TN. 37040

11/9/2018: 8:30am – 1:30pm.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

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.

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles