Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to maintain a diverse
supply
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 8, 2016) — During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the
American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a stable and diverse
blood supply for patients in need.
Blood donors may be helping patients like 11-year- old Martin Mwita who has sickle cell disease.
His body doesn’t produce enough healthy red cells to carry adequate oxygen through his body,
so he relies on monthly transfusions to stabilize his health.
A diverse blood supply is important to ensure the needs of all patients are met. Red blood cells
carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and some blood types are unique to certain
racial and ethnic groups. Because blood from donors of the same ethnic background as the
recipient is less likely to cause complications, the Red Cross must maintain a diverse blood
supply to meet these diverse patient needs.
Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition such as sickle cell disease, a surgical
procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save
lives. Donors of all blood types are needed.
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 help reduce wait times.
Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a free haircut coupon via
email, courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts. The coupon is valid through Nov. 6, 2016, at
participating Sport Clips locations, and donors must have a valid email address on record to
receive the coupon.>
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Hickman County Cooperative Extension Office, 329 James Phillips Drive Clinton, KY 42031]
9/26/2016: noon- 6 p.m.
Hickman County High School, 301 Cresap Street Clinton, KY 42031
9/30/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Big Sandy Senior Citizen's Center, 224 2nd Ave. Big Sandy, TN 38221
9/30/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Bethel University - Veral Lowe Center, 101 Wildcat Lane Mc Kenzie, TN 38201
2016-APL- 01319
9/22/2016: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Three Rivers Hospital, 451 Hwy 13 S Waverly, TN 37185
9/19/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
New Prospect Baptist Church, 3895 Pulaski Highway Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
9/26/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Summertown Saddle & Bridle Club, Highway 20 Summertown, TN 38483
9/28/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Waynesboro Church of Christ, 304 Hassell Street Waynesboro, TN 38485
9/22/2016: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 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
(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.