NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 24, 2016) – The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to
give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.
Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of
holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore,
more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood
supply is sufficient through the winter months.
For blood donor Katie Osorio, giving a little bit of time is worth it because she’s giving someone
a chance at life. “Someone’s mother, brother, sister, father or the love of someone’s life has
been given back to their loved ones all because I gave something that I could. It takes so little
from me and gives a world back to another.”
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit
redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767). Donors are encouraged to
make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at
redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Centerville United Methodist Church, 103 College Ave. Centerville, TN 37033
11/9/2016: 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Fort Donelson United Methodist Church, 420 Church St. Dover, TN 37058
11/10/2016: Noon - 5 p.m.
Cane Creek Market, 1798 Highway 438 E. Lobelville, TN 37097
11/11/2016: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Nashville State Community College - Waverly, 695 Holly Lane Waverly, TN 37185
11/14/2016: Noon - 5 p.m.
Trace Creek Baptist Church, 1320 Broadway Ave. New Johnsonville, TN 37134
11/14/2016: 1 - 5 p.m.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org 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
2016-APL- 01544
(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.
Blood donors can now 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, prior
to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass
and follow the instructions on the site.
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
cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.