NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 18, 2024 — The American Red Cross and the Nashville Predators urge donors to help increase the blood supply for hospitals by donating blood this April. People of all blood types – especially type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to ensure blood products are available for hospitals at a moment’s notice. The need for blood products always picks up as spring turns into summer. Hospitals can often see higher trauma cases as people begin traveling for summer vacations. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
The partnership with the Nashville Predators is very important for the American Red Cross. The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of all blood products to hospitals across the nation, including Level 1 Trauma hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center. All blood types are needed, but there is a demand for type O negative and type O positive blood. O negative type blood is the universal donor that can be given to any patient of any blood type during emergencies. Those type O blood bags are used most by hospital emergency rooms to treat trauma patients and during surgeries.
Don’t wait − make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. In thanks for helping, all presenting donors will receive a $10 gift card by email and a chance at a $7,000 prize drawing.
Nashville Predators Foundation blood donation opportunities: April 22 – April 26
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Gym
Clarksville American Red Cross
Celebration Lutheran Church
Brentwood Library - Meeting Rooms
Kempville Chapel Old Time Methodist Church
First Methodist Church - Annex
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
100 Oaks - 1st Floor Conference Rooms A-C
5264 Hickory Hollow Parkway
Sumner Regional Medical Center
Sumner Station - Room 213
225 Big Station Camp Blvd.
Bowling Green American Red Cross
Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center - Meeting Rooms
Clarksville American Red Cross
Benton United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall
First Presbyterian Church - Fellowship Hall
Tennessee Army National Guard
844 N. James Campbell Blvd.
First United Methodist Church Smyrna
Unicoi County Family YMCA
Southeast Tennessee American Red Cross
Trousdale County Community Center
Southern Adventist University
Presidential Banquest Room
Winchester Church of Christ - Fellowship Hall
1230 South College Street
Bowling Green American Red Cross
Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center - Meeting Rooms
East Tennessee American Red Cross
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. To register for a Predators blood drive be sure to enter the code PREDS19. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
