NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) — As the American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Florence, providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected, individuals outside the affected areas are urged to help by giving blood or platelets to care for patients in the storm’s path and across the country.
Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and also took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
How to help
Donors of all blood types are urged to help restore hope to patients across the country by making an appointment today to give blood or platelets. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting the Red Cross website , calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Up-to-date information about how the Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Florence is available at RedCross.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St. Clarksville, TN. 37043
9/17/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
9/24/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
10/1/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
10/8/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
10/15/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Foy Fitness and Recreation Center, 521 Marion St. Clarksville, TN. 37044
10/9/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How to donate blood
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.