Story by Regina Raccuglia Conway, Red Cross

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Due to recent severe winter weather, the American Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region has been forced to cancel more than 30 blood drives since December, resulting in the loss of around 950 units of blood.

These most recent blood drive cancellations come after more than 300 blood drives in 25 states were forced to cancel due to winter weather earlier this month. When it’s considered safe to travel, eligible donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give.

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, especially type O negative – the universal blood type.

In addition to helping save local lives, all donors who present to donate blood or platelets through March 31, 2014 will be automatically entered to win a $1,500 gift card to use toward a vacation getaway as part of our American Red Cross “Give and Go” promotion. Visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/sed-givego for more information.

Upcoming Blood Drive Opportunities:
• 2/13/14, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, Estep Wellness Center, 2270 Kentucky Avenue, Fort Campbell
• 2/14/14, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Blanchfield Army Hospital, 650 Joel Drive, Fort Campbell
• 2/24/14, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Fort Campbell Commissary, 2606 Indiana Avenue, Fort Campbell
• 2/13/14, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 201 Center Ave, Dickson
• 2/1/14, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street, Clarksville
• 2/3/14, 10:30 AM-4:30 PM, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street, Clarksville
• 2/9/14, 8:30 AM-1:30 PM, Grace Community Church, 1237 Rossview Road, Clarksville
• 2/10/14, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street, Clarksville
• 2/17/14, 10:30 AM-4:30 PM, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street, Clarksville
• 2/17/14, 2:00 PM-7:00 PM, Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Clarksville
• 2/24/14, 10:30 AM-4:30 PM, American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street, Clarksville
• 2/18/14, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, William O. Beach Civic Hall, 350 Pagaent Lane, Clarksville
• 2/12/14, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Morgan University Center, Governors Lane, Clarksville
• 2/13/14, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Morgan University Center, Governors Lane, Clarksville
• 2/14/14, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Saint Susan’s Catholic Church, 221 Allensville Street, Elkton

In addition:

The Clarksville Blood Donor Center at 1760 Madison St. is open:
• Monday – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• 1st Saturday of month – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Please call (931) 645- 6401 to schedule an appointment.

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.