CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.- (CLARKSVILLENOW) As part of an international movement, the American Red Cross is launching the Missing Types campaign to recruit new blood donors, and those who have not given recently, to ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients.

During the Missing Types campaign, the letters A, B and O, that represent the main blood types, will disappear from brands, social media pages, signs and websites to illustrate the critical role every blood donor plays. When the letters A, B and O vanish from everyday life, the gaps are striking. And when A, B and O blood types are missing from hospital shelves, patient care could be impacted.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. But for the past four years, new Red Cross donors have declined by about 80,000 each year. This is not just a Red Cross trend, but a challenge that blood collection organizations face across the country and around the world.

Donating blood is a simple process and only takes about an hour from start to finish.

• Registration: Sign in, show ID and read required information.
• Health check: Answer questions and receive a mini-physical.
• Donation: Giving a pint of blood only takes about eight to 10 minutes.
• Refreshments: Donors enjoy snacks and relax before resuming their day.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 11-July 3

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37043
6/11/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
6/18/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
6/25/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
7/2/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Soldier Support Readiness, 2702 Michigan Avenue, Room 202 Fort Campbell, KY 42223
6/20/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville, TN 37040
7/1/2018: noon – 6 p.m.

Fort Campbell PX, 2840 Bastogne Ave. Fort Campbell, KY 42223
6/20/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Byrd Health Clinic, 7973 Strike Blvd. Fort Campbell, KY 42223
6/22/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

How to donate blood

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.