A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead. WGNS' Bryan Barrett talked to the local Red Cross office on Wednesday. Hear the podcast HERE. 

World Blood Donor Day, gifts for donors - June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven’t given in a while, or who have never given before.

In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Help the Red Cross celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Rutherford County June 16-30:  

La Vergne 

• 6/30/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lavergne Church of Christ, 244 Old Nashville Highway

Murfreesboro 

• 6/16/2023: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Rutherford County Sheriff's Dept., 940 New Salem Hwy.
• 6/16/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/16/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Rutherford County Sheriff's Dept., 940 New Salem Hwy.
• 6/17/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/18/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/19/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/20/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/21/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Nashville Predators World Outreach Church, 1921 New Salem Highway
• 6/22/2023: 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/23/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/24/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/25/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/26/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Alvin C York VA Bldg 107, 3400 Lebanon Road
• 6/26/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/27/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pinnacle Financial Partners, 214 W. College Street
• 6/27/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/29/2023: 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.
• 6/29/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., World Outreach Church, 1921 New Salem Highway

How to donate blood - To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!  Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.