NewsChannel 5 has teamed up with the American Red Cross for the Holiday Hero Blood Drive.
The event kicks off Tuesday morning at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center on Charlotte Avenue. You can also give blood at their mobile sites.
“To see Middle Tennessee roll up a sleeve each year to provide blood to the people who need it most during these critical winter months is amazing,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross appreciates community partners like WTVF News Channel 5 who help us meet patient needs by inspiring the community to give the gift of life.”
The blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a blood shortage.
During September and October, the Red Cross collected 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Officials said that’s largely due to less groups signing up.
The shortage was worsened by widespread blood drive cancellations caused by hurricanes Florence and Michael.
Those who come out to give will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Donors must have a valid email address on file to receive their reward. Visit rcblood.org/GiftCard for restrictions, terms and conditions.)
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to give. Here’s a list of area mobile and donation center locations:
Nashville Blood Donation Center
2201 Charlotte Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center
501 Memorial Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Murfreesboro Athletic Club
710 Memorial Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
2-8 p.m.
Northcrest Medical Center
100 Northcrest Drive
Springfield, TN 37172
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
To donate, 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.
You must meet the following requirements:
- 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
