Nashville, TN – The American Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping the blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can impact donors. This year the pandemic adds in another challenge in keeping the blood supply strong.
The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this month.
Every day there are thousands of patients who rely on lifesaving blood donations – people like Leslie Johnson. In 2005, a farming accident left Johnson with broken bones and massive bleeding. In the first 24 hours after the accident, she received 10 units of blood and platelets.
Additional transfusions and surgeries followed.
Johnson’s high school-age daughter, Emily, hosted a blood drive last semester because she recognizes the role of blood in helping save her mom’s life. “If blood had not been available when she needed it, she might not be here today. I might not have had my mom growing up. It’s my honor to be able to promote blood donation and help pay it forward to others in need.”
As she faces additional surgeries to address ongoing injuries from the accident, she may need more blood transfusions.
“It’s so important, especially as we navigate this pandemic, to make sure there is blood available,” said Emily. “Blood is such a meaningful gift to give.”
One heartwarming gesture deserves another
As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give this February will receive a $5.00 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Important COVID-19 Information for Donors
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 Coronavirus antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 Coronavirus symptoms.
Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 Coronavirus antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 Coronavirus survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 Coronavirus antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 Coronavirus patients.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face-covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 1-15
Christian County, KY
Fort Campbell
1/29/2021: 10:00am-3:00pm, Byrd Health Clinic, 7973 Strike Boulevard.
2/5/2021: 10:00am-4:00pm, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, 650 Joel Drive
2/12/2021: 10:00am-3:00pm, Fort Campbell PX, 2840 Bastogne Avenue
Hopkinsville
2/1/2021: 11:00am-3:00pm, Walmart Hopkinsville, 300 Clinic Drive
Todd County, KY
Elkton
2/5/2021: 12:00pm-6:00pm, Elkton Baptist Church, 301 East Main Street
Trigg County, KY
Cadiz
1/28/2021: 10:00am-3:00pm, Trigg County Hospital, 254 Main Street
Dickson County, TN
Charlotte
2/20/2021: 9:00am-2:00pm, Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church Community Center, 3008 Bowker Road
Dickson
2/11/2021: 12:30pm-5:30pm, Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 500 Hwy 70 East
2/22/2021: 10:00am-2:00pm, Bank of Dickson, 466 Hwy 46 South
2/25/2021: 2:00pm-7:00pm, YMCA Dickson, 225 Henslee Drive
Montgomery County, TN
Clarksville
1/25/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
1/27/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/1/2021: 9:30am-1:30pm, Veteran’s Plaza – William O. Beach Civic Hall, 350 Pageant Lane
2/1/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/3/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/5/2021: 12:00pm-6:00pm, Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
2/8/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/10/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/15/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/15/2021: 12:00pm-6:00pm, Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
2/17/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/22/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, Clarksville American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/24/2021: 10:30am-4:30pm, Clarksville American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/26/2021: 10:00am-3:00pm, Austin Peay State University (APSU), Morgan University Center, Governors Lane
About Blood Donation
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit ?RedCrossBlood.org, call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 feed and provide emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.
