Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - January 2019

The American Red Cross Inaugural Winter Hero Blood Drive kicked off Christmas Eve. Thanks to our caring community, the Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee in Chattanooga collected 29 units of the life-saving blood during one the most difficult months of the year. Blood donations are always in decline during holidays when most people are focused on shopping, travel and seasonal activities. It makes it more critical that we try to make up for the short supplies, thus the reason for our Winter Hero Blood Drive.

So many people never get a holiday from the need for blood. Heart surgeries, organ transplants, burn victims, persons being treated with leukemia and other forms of cancer and sickle cell disease are only a small example of the vital and constant need of blood and platelets.

So – the Southeast chapter won't stop with the night-before-Christmas event. Another drive will soon be announced. Until then, the Red Cross urges everyone to make this a united effort. Spread the word through your neighborhood, your churches and organizations, friends and family, to plan on giving the gift of life at our next drive.

These are some convenient tools for planning ahead. Donors can make an appointment by using the Red Cross Donor App by texting Blood app to 90999 or going to your app store on your phone.  You can also visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. That is 1-800-733-2767.  Thanks to all our donors for your generous gift of life this holiday season.  Wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year.