Nashville, TN – The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now and help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states. When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays.
There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767). Learn more about flu safety and prevention at redcross.org/flusafety.
As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering several opportunities to donors this month:
- All who come to give November 1st-22nd will receive a $10.00 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Details are available at org/perks.
- Those who come to give over the Thanksgiving holiday, November 23rd-27th, will get a Red Cross knit beanie, while supplies last.
- All who come out to help November 28th-December 15th will receive a $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Details are available at org/together.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities November 16th-30th:
Kentucky
Christian County
Fort Campbell
11/17/2022: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, 650 Joel Drive
11/22/2022: 10:00am – 3:00pm, Fort Campbell Commissary, 2606 Indiana Avenue
Hopkinsville
11/29/2022: 9:00am – 2:00pm, Hopkinsville High School, 430 Koffman Drive
Logan County
Lewisburg
11/11/2022: 12:30pm – 6:00pm, Lewisburg Church of Christ, 128 South Main Street
Russellville
11/28/2022: 12:00pm – 6:00pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 296 West 6th Street
Todd County
Elkton
11/29/2022: 8:30am – 1:30pm, Todd Central High School, 806 South Main Street
Tennessee
Cheatham County
Chapmansboro
11/17/2022: 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Cheap Hill Church of Christ, 2834 Highway 12 North
Humphreys County
Waverly
11/18/2022: 12:30pm – 5:30pm, First Baptist Church, 300 Main Street
Montgomery County
Clarksville
11/16/2022: 12:00pm – 5:00pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
11/21/2022: 10:30am – 4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
11/22/2022: 9:30am – 1:30pm, Veteran’s Plaza – William O. Beach Civic Hall, 350 Pagaent Lane
11/23/2022: 10:00am – 3:00pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
11/25/2022: 12:00pm – 6:00pm, Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
11/28/2022: 10:30am – 4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
11/30/2022: 10:30am – 4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
Robertson County
Cross Plains
11/21/2022: 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 7109 Hwy 25 E
How to Donate Blood
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.
Amplify Your Impact ? Volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals.
For more information and to apply for either position, visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
