Nashville, TN – While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains.
The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.
The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.
“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Tiffany Taylor, external communications manager of the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”
Every two seconds
In the U.S., every two seconds someone like Ray Poulin needs blood or platelets. Poulin’s liver and kidneys failed following a serious blood infection. The situation became urgent when his liver hemorrhaged. He was given a 10 percent chance of survival. After receiving 77 units of blood, Poulin defied the odds.
“There was a lot that went into saving my life, but if the blood wasn’t available when I needed it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Poulin.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
All blood types urgently needed
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. Those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross July 26th through August 31st will be emailed a $5.00 Target eGiftCard™.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25th-Aug. 15th
Elkton Baptist Church,
301 E. Main St., Elkton, KY. 42220
8/11/2017: noon – 6:00pm.
Burns Church of Christ
2718 Church St., Burns, TN. 37029
7/26/2017: 2:00pm – 7:00pm.
Dickson County Family YMCA
225 Henslee Drive, Dickson, TN. 37055
7/27/2017: 3:00pm – 7:00pm.
Walnut Street Church of Christ
201 Center Ave., Dickson, TN. 37055
8/10/2017: 11:00am – 4:00pm.
Clarksville Blood Donation Center
1760 Madison St., Clarksville, TN. 37043
7/24/2017: 10:30am – 4:30pm.
7/31/2017: 10:30am – 4:30pm.
8/7/2017: 10:30am – 4:30pm.
8/14/2017: 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Clarksville Grace Church of the Nazarene
3135 Trenton Road, Clarksville, TN. 37040
8/23/2017: 3:00pm – 8:00pm.
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
