CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The American Red Cross has launched a Blood Donor App that allows users to schedule and track blood donations, earn rewards and invite friends to join them on a team.

The new app is free.

Features of the app include:

• A blood drive or blood donation locator
• The ability to sync a blood donation appointment with the user’s calendar
• “Selfies” donors can use to share their experience through social media;
• Special Badges to for users to unlock
• A chance to form teams and track standings on the Blood Donor Teams Leaderboard;
• Offers and discounts from brands including Shari’s Berries, ProFlowers and 1A Auto
• Uplifting donor and blood recipient stories

All of the Red Cross award-winning disaster and preparedness apps, along with the Blood Donor App can be found in app stores by searching for American Red Cross, visiting the website, or by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 for a direct link to download. Message and data rates for texting may apply.

The Red Cross is also asking for blood donations during National Preparedness Month, as blood can take up to three days to be tested and processed for patients, making the blood already on shelves crucial in an emergency.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Dickson County, TN
9/23/2014: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dickson Medical Associates, 127 Crestview Park Drive

Montgomery County, TN
9/22/2014: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St.
9/29/2014: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St.

Appointments to donate can be made by clicking here or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed. 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.

For more information, follow the Red Cross on Twitter at @RedCross.