Red Cross issues an emergency call for blood and platelet donations
during severe winter blood shortage
Blood donations needed now to prevent delays in care for patients like freshman Payton
Kannarr
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 4, 2017) — The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood
shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation
appointment now and help save patient lives.
Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer
donations in November and December than what was needed. Snowstorms and severe weather
have also impacted donations. Nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel in December,
resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected.
“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can
continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Mario Sedlock, director
of donor recruitment of the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “We
encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient
needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than
they are coming in.”
How to help
Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free
Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767).
The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or
platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and
community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments
and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help
speed up the donation process.
“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound
impact on another human being,” said Sedlock.
Who blood donations help
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery
and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle
cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.
The treatments high school freshman Payton Kannarr receives to fight leukemia cause her
blood counts to drop. She currently receives platelet transfusions weekly and red blood cells
about every two weeks.
“We have seen firsthand the incredible need for blood products as we have been on this four-
year roller coaster journey,” said Amy Kannarr, Payton’s mom. “Through the care and
compassion of donors, Payton has been able to enjoy life as a teenager.”
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Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Rich Pond Baptist Church, 200 Brad Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42104
1/5/2017: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green,
KY 42103
1/6/2017: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1/13/2017: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1/20/2017: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1/27/2017: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
First Baptist Shelbyville, 304 East Depot Street Shelbyville, TN 37160
1/10/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Lions Club Building, 540 W Adams St. Woodbury, TN 37190
1/19/2017: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Manchester Recreation Complex, 557 N. Woodland St. Manchester, TN 37349
1/30/2017: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
TE Connectivity, 509 Airpark Drive Tullahoma, TN 37388
1/5/2017: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
First Christian Church Annex Bldg, 201 NW Atlantic Tullahoma, TN 37388
1/10/2017: 2:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Motlow State Community College Lynchburg, 6015 Ledford Mill Rd. Tullahoma, TN 37388
1/30/2017: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 201 South College St. Smithville, TN 37166
1/3/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 200 2nd Avenue NW Winchester, TN 37398
1/8/2017: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Church of Christ at Bethlehem, 5544 Old State Hwy 111 Spencer, TN 38585
1/26/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
McMinnville Civic Center, 500 Garfield St. Mc Minnville, TN 37110
1/11/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Warren County Administration Building, 201 Locust St. Mc Minnville, TN 37110
1/12/2017: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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
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public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or
cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
