Severe winter weather, flu disrupting blood donations
Nashville, TN – Winter storms and the flu don’t just mean a lot of people are missing work and school – it also means they can’t keep their American Red Cross blood and platelet donation appointments.
The Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.
In 2018, severe winter weather forced about 600 blood drives to cancel, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. And, widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives.
Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatments. Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.
Make an appointment to donate this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities February 16th-28th
Bank of Dickson
466 Hwy 46 S. Dickson, TN 37055
2/26/2018: 10:00am-2:00pm
Northwest High School
800 Lafayette Road Clarksville, TN 37040
2/15/2018: 8:30am-1:30pm
American Red Cross
1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
2/19/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm
2/26/2018: 10:30am-4:30pm
Governor’s Square Mall
2801 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard Clarksville, TN 37040
2/19/2018: noon-6:00pm
Hilldale Baptist Church
2001 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
2/25/2018: 11:30am-3:30pm
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.
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.