Nashville, TN – One in 7 patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. At the same time, only about 3% of Americans give blood.
The American Red Cross needs more people to make and keep appointments to give blood or platelets in February and has three great reasons to do so:
- Help prevent a blood shortage: Winter brings seasonal illness and dangerous weather, which can hurt the blood supply. When donors give now, they can help ensure blood is on hospital shelves when it’s needed.
- It’s Heart Month: During a blood donation appointment, the Red Cross checks donors’ blood pressure and pulse, which are important indicators of heart health.
- Treat yourself: All who come to give in February will get a $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to donate this month will also automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.
Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand. Protect the blood supply from dropping – book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities through February 28th
Kentucky
Christian County
Fort Campbell
2/27/2023: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, 650 Joel Drive
Tennessee
Cheatham County
Pleasant View
2/21/2023: 1:00pm – 7:00pm, The Livery Stables Event Hall, 1104 Main Street
Dickson County
Dickson
2/23/2023: 12:00pm – 6:00pm, YMCA Dickson, 225 Henslee Drive
Montgomery County
Clarksville
2/22/2023: 10:30am – 4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
2/27/2023: 10:30am – 4:30pm, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
Robertson County
Ridgetop
2/23/2023: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Ridgetop First Baptist Church, 1757 Highway 41 South
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!
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 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.
