PRESS RELEASE:
The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and platelets this fall to help restock the shelves following a significant summer shortage to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need.
Through the first two weeks of September, the Red Cross is down more than 10,000 donations from what is needed to replenish the blood supply and be prepared for emergencies large and small. Declines in donations can lead to blood shortages and make it difficult to meet patient needs should a disaster or emergency occur.
“September is National Preparedness Month and we urge eligible donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition like sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale disaster, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Red Cross blood and platelet donors play an important role in helping communities be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.”
Donors of all blood types are needed as blood products continue to be distributed to hospitals almost as quickly as donations come in. 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.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, Sept. 20 through Oct. 15:
American Red Cross Asheville Blood Donation Center, 100 Edgewood Road
Monday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 2 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 7 p.m.; first Saturday of the month, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Avery
Newland
9/20/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Altamont United Methodist Church, 100 Altamont Church Road
Buncombe
Asheville
9/22/2016: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Asheville Fire & Police Department, 100 Court Plaza, PO Box 7148
9/23/2016: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Gillespie Dental Associates, 36 Orange St.
9/26/2016: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Childs Conference Center, 360 Asheville School Road
9/29/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 373 Biltmore Ave.
9/29/2016: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., The Van Winkle Law Firm, 11 N. Market St.
10/3/2016: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., WCU ABSN Chapter of Association of Nursing Students, 28 Schenck Parkway, Suite 300
10/9/2016: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Woodfin Volunteer Fire Department, 20 New St.
Black Mountain
9/30/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Black Mountain Fire Department, 106 Montreat Road
10/6/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, 117 Montreat Road
Candler
9/26/2016: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mountain Credit Union, 1453 Sand Hill Road
Fairview
10/7/2016: 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Spring Mountain Community Club, 807 Old Fort Road
Weaverville
9/25/2016: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Weaverville United Methodist Church Fellowship Building, 85 North Main St.
10/10/2016: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation, 78 Weaver Blvd.
Cherokee
Murphy
10/10/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Shepherd of the Mountains, 68 Fairfax Lane
Clay
Hayesville
9/29/2016: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Church of the Good Shepherd, Highway 64 West
Haywood
Clyde
10/5/2016: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Haywood Regional Medical Center Health & Fitness Center-Classrooms, 75 Leroy George Road
Waynesville
9/28/2016: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way
Henderson
E Flat Rock
10/13/2016: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., East Henderson High School, 110 Upward Road
Jackson
Sylva
10/7/2016: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Lowe’s 2257 Sylva, 1716 North Main St.
10/7/2016: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Jackson County Department on Aging, 100 County Services Park
10/12/2016: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., National Guard Armory Sylva, 611 Webster Road
10/13/2016: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Southwestern Community College – Burrell Building, 447 College Drive
Macon
Franklin
9/27/2016: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Macon County Library, 149 Siler Farm Road
10/11/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Prentiss Church of God, 59 Church Hill Lane
Madison
Mars Hill
9/27/2016: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wren Student Union, Wren Student Union, Athletic St.
McDowell
Marion
10/4/2016: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Haldex Brake Products Corporation, 5334 Highway 221 South
10/6/2016: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Grace Community Church, 5182 US 70W
10/11/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., State Employee Credit Union, 1004 W Tate St.
10/11/2016: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Marion Correctional Institution, Old Glenwood Road
Rutherford
Cliffside
10/15/2016: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Cliffside Masonic Lodge, Old Main St.
Spindale
9/23/2016: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Word of Faith Spindale, 207 Old Flynn Road
Transylvania
Brevard
9/26/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Brevard Community Church, 417 Morris Road
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.
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