NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 19, 2016) — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give
blood and platelets this fall to help restock the shelves following a significant summer shortage
to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need.
Through the first two weeks of September, the Red Cross is down more than 10,000 donations
from what is needed to replenish the blood supply and be prepared for emergencies large and
small. Declines in donations can lead to blood shortages and make it difficult to meet patient
needs should a disaster or emergency occur.
“September is National Preparedness Month and we urge eligible donors to make an
appointment now to give blood or platelets,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment of
the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition
like sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale disaster, it’s the
blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Red Cross blood and platelet donors play an
important role in helping communities be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.”
Donors of all blood types are needed as blood products continue to be distributed to hospitals
almost as quickly as donations come in. To make an appointment to give blood, download the
Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800- 733-
2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online
health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Camden Church of Christ, 1285 U.S. 70 Bypass Camden, TN 38320
10/7/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Savannah Church of Christ, 1175 Pickwick Rd. Savannah, TN 38372
10/13/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Erin City Hall, 15 Hill Street Erin, TN 37061
10/6/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
McEwen Church of Christ, 9704 Hwy 70 East Mc Ewen, TN 37101
10/3/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Waverly United Methodist Church, 115 West Main Street Waverly, TN 37185
10/7/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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
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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
(16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior
to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass
and follow the instructions on the site.
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.