CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter.
Busy holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held across the country compared to the two previous months, which has resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations and reduced the blood supply. Donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“A decline in the blood supply after the winter holidays is not uncommon, but it can be replenished when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” said Garry Allison, director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region.
January is National Blood Donor Month, which has been observed since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood donations during the winter – one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. In addition to winter bringing busy holiday schedules for many regular donors, severe winter weather can cancel blood drives, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause donors to be temporarily unable to give.
Blood and platelet donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to donate for patients like Pyper Young, now 7 years old. The chemotherapy that treated Pyper’s brain cancer also caused her to need emergency transfusions to increase her blood levels. The Red Cross must collect about 14,000 donations every day to meet the needs of patients like Pyper.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37043
1/11/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1/18/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1/25/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville, TN 37040
1/18/2016: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.