The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage after a significant shortfall in donations in September and October. Please give "the gift of life" at the Murfreesboro Red Cross, 501 Memorial Boulevard.
With the holidays right around the corner, which historically bring a further decline in donations, blood and platelet donors and volunteer blood drive hosts are urgently needed to avoid delays in medical treatments now and throughout winter.
The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.
To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Heart of Tennessee Red Cross Chapter Executive Director Kathy Ferrell told NewsRadio WGNS, "This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it's important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity."
Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet 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). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.
Ferrell concluded, ""From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn't stop for the holidays. People can give back - and help those in need - by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come."
Here are RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES scheduled for Rutherford County over the next few weeks:
Eagleville School, 500 Highway 99, Eagleville, TN 37060
11/14/2018: 7:45 a.m. - noon
Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129
11/13/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
11/15/2018: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
11/16/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/17/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/18/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/19/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
11/20/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
11/22/2018: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
11/23/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/24/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/25/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/26/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
11/27/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
11/29/2018: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
11/30/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/1/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/2/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/3/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
12/4/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
12/6/2018: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
12/7/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/8/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/9/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/10/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
12/11/2018: 12:30 - 7:30 p.m.
12/13/2018: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
12/14/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12/15/2018: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Holloway High School, 619 Highland Ave. Murfreesboro, TN 37130
11/14/2018: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saint Mark's United Methodist Church, 1267 N. Rutherford Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37130
11/18/2018: 8 a.m. - noon
Anytime Fitness - Fountains at Gateway, 1500 Medical Center, Suite 1A, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
11/28/2018: 1 - 6 p.m.
Belle Aire Baptist Church, 1307 N. Rutherford Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37130
11/28/2018: 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Central Magnet School, 701 E. Main St. Murfreesboro, TN 37130
11/29/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Scales Elementary, 2340 St Andrews Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
11/29/2018: noon - 6 p.m.
Murfreesboro Athletic Club, 710 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129
12/4/2018: 2 - 8 p.m.
Overall Creek Elementary, 429 Otter Trail, Murfreesboro , TN 37128
12/14/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 301 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna, TN 37167
12/2/2018: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Highland Heights Church of Christ, 785 S. Lowery, Smyrna, TN 37167
12/15/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.