CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — (CLARKSVILLENOW) The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.

Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop-in donation. Accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break – patients need blood every minute, every day.

The public is asked to schedule an appointment to help ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting the Red Cross Blood website or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through June 10, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply visit Amazons gift card website for more information. More information and details are also available at the Red Cross website.) Additionally, those who come to give May 25-29, will receive an exclusive Red Cross Branded T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 21 to June 15

Blanchfield Army Hospital, 650 Joel Drive Fort Campbell, KY 42223
5/22/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

101st Special Troops Battalion Headquarters, 6742 Desert Storm Ave. Fort Campbell, KY 42223
5/29/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
5/31/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37043
5/21/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5/28/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
6/4/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
6/11/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Grace Church of the Nazarene, 3135 Trenton Road Clarksville, TN 37040
5/23/2018: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville, TN 37040
5/25/2018: noon – 5 p.m.

Veteran’s Plaza – William O. Beach Civic Hall, 350 Pagaent Lane Clarksville, TN 37040
6/7/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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.

Blood and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Volunteers needed

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, contact Renee Jenkins at 615-854-5950 or visit rdcrss.org/driver.]