The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise - and deplete the nation's blood inventory. Donors of all blood types - especially type O and those giving platelets - are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.

"When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it's the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care," said Garry Allison, Regional Donor Services Director, of Red Cross Tennessee Region. "As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives."

Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.

Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) 

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Final weeks for COVID-19 antibody testing

As more than a third of Americans have become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for blood, platelet and plasma donations.

Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination. The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase as the nation continues to journey out of this pandemic.

World Sickle Cell Day: June 19

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, an important day for the more than 100,000 individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. Most people with this disease are of African descent and will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Some individuals with sickle cell disease may require as many as 100 units of blood per year.

The Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Since the best blood match for a patient receiving ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to give blood and help increase the number of diverse donors so we can find the best match for all patients.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 15-30:

Kentucky

Butler

Morgantown

6/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Morgantown Mission, 109 South Main Street

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Christian

Fort Campbell

6/22/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Blanchfield Army Hospital, 650 Joel Drive

6/25/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Byrd Health Clinic, 7973 Strike Blvd.

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Clinton

Albany

6/17/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Albany Community Center, 200 N. Spring Street

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Marshall

Benton

6/21/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 2515 South Main Street

6/23/2021: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Central Church of Christ-Benton, 2081 Mayfield Highway

Calvert City

6/24/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Calvert City Church of Christ, 4625 US Highway 62

Hardin

6/14/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hardin Baptist Church, 218 College Street

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Warren

Bowling Green

6/16/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

6/18/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

6/23/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

6/25/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

6/29/2021: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Historic RailPark, 401 Kentucky Street, Suite B

6/30/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace

Tennessee

Bedford

Bell Buckle

6/17/2021: 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., James E. Elkins Fire Hall, 113 Main Street

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Cheatham

Ashland City

6/16/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Ashland City Church of Christ, 110 Cumberland Street

Pleasant View

6/17/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., The Livery Stables Event Hall, 1104 Main Street

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Clay

Celina

6/22/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Celina Community, 215 Arcot Rd.

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Davidson

Antioch

6/18/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ford Ice Center, 5264 Hickory Hollow Parkway

6/24/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rural Hill Church of Christ, 564 Bell Road

Goodlettsville

6/17/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Goodlettsville Church, 226 S. Main Street

6/21/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 613 South Main Street

Hermitage

6/24/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Metro Police-Hermitage, 3701 James Kay Lane

Madison

6/15/2021: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Metro Nashville Madison Precinct, 400 Myatt Drive

Nashville

6/14/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

6/14/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Inn at Opryland, 2401 Music Valley Drive

6/14/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/15/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

6/15/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/16/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike

6/16/2021: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/17/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/17/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Ford Ice Center Bellevue, 7638 B Highway 70 S

6/18/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/18/2021: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Vanderbilt Health 100 Oaks, 719 Thompson Lane

6/18/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville First Church of the Nazarene -Nashville Predators, 510 Woodland Street

6/19/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/20/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/21/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

6/21/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/22/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

6/22/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Baptist Church of Donelson, 2526 Lebanon Road

6/22/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/22/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Northside Church of Christ, 1375 Old Hickory Blvd.

6/23/2021: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/24/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/24/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Donelson Fellowship, 3210 McGavock Pk

6/25/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/25/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Element Nashville, 2825 Elm Hill Pike

6/25/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tennessee State University Kean Hall, 3500 John Merritt Blvd.

6/26/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/27/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/28/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/29/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue

6/29/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saint Thomas West Hospital, 4220 Harding Road

6/29/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

6/30/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Trevecca Community Church, 335 Murfreesboro Road

6/30/2021: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Nashville Blood Donation Center, 2201 Charlotte Ave

Old Hickory

6/18/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Nashviille Predators Old Hickory Village, 1106 Hadley Avenue

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Dickson

Dickson

6/14/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., YMCA Dickson, 225 Henslee Drive

6/21/2021: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Compassion Church, 3525 Hwy 70 West

6/29/2021: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Office Depot, 415 Highway 46 South

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Franklin

Winchester

6/25/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Winchester Church of Christ, 1230 South College Street

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Humphreys

Mc Ewen

6/15/2021: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 75 Long Street

Waverly

6/24/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Waverly United Methodist Church, 115 West Main Street

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Lawrence

Lawrenceburg

6/15/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Coleman United Methodist Church, 322 North Military Avenue

Loretto

6/22/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Loretto Civic Center, 300 Park Street

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Lewis

Hohenwald

6/15/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hohenwald Church of Christ, 110 Park Avenue South

6/21/2021: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hohenwald Church of Christ, 110 Park Avenue South

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Lincoln

Fayetteville

6/22/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., City of Fayetteville Parks & Recreation, 1203 Winchester Hwy

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Macon

Lafayette

6/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Lafayette Church of Christ, 212 Church Street

6/25/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Walmart, 419 Hwy 52 Bypass

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Marshall

Chapel Hill

6/23/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chapel Hill UMC, 316 North Horton Parkway

Lewisburg

6/17/2021: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Church Street Church of Christ, 305 West Church Street

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Maury

Columbia

6/24/2021: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 812 Nashville Highway, Hwy 31 North

Spring Hill

6/22/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2998 Commonwealth Drive

6/23/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., UAW- Local 1853, 125 Stephen P Yokich Pkwy

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Montgomery

Clarksville

6/14/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Clarksville American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

6/21/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

6/22/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Governor's Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd

6/23/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

6/26/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St.

6/28/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

6/30/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

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Overton

Livingston

6/30/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Livingston Overton Chamber, 222 East Main Street

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Perry

Lobelville

6/25/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Cane Creek Market, 1798 Hwy 438 E

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Putnam

Cookeville

6/24/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Walmart Cookeville, 768 S. Jefferson Ave

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Robertson

Greenbrier

6/29/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cross Roads Baptist Church, 2649 New Cut Road

Ridgetop

6/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ridgetop Volunteer Fire Department, 1735 US-41

White House

6/28/2021: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., Revolution Church, 3644 Highway 31W

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Rutherford

La Vergne

6/23/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Miracle Baptist Church, 205 Easy Street

Murfreesboro

6/14/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/15/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nashville Predators Lowes Murfreesboro, 1825 Old Fort Parkway

6/15/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/18/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/19/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/20/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/21/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., North Boulevard Church of Christ, 1112 North Rutherford Boulevard

6/21/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/21/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., World Outreach Church, 1921 New Salem Highway

6/22/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/23/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Missionary Baptist Church, 316 Fortress Blvd

6/24/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, 1700 Medical Parkway

6/24/2021: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/24/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bumpus Harley-Davidson, 2250 NW Broad

6/25/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/26/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/27/2021: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/28/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 N. Thompson Lane

6/28/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/28/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Christian Life Church, 745 Cason Lane

6/29/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

6/30/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Gateway, 1272 Garrison Drive

Rockvale

6/22/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Rockvale Meadows HOA, 2225 Salem Woods Drive

Smyrna

6/15/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., LifePoint Church, 506 Legacy Drive

6/16/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Gold's Gym Smyrna, 567 S.Lowry St.

6/21/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Lowes Smyrna, 410 Genie Lane

6/25/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 349 Chaney Road

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Sumner

Gallatin

6/14/2021: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kroger, 845 Nashville Place

6/15/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Gallatin Civic Center, 210 Albert Gallatin Avenue

6/16/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sumner Regional Medical Center, 555 Hartsville Pike

6/23/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sumner Station, 225 Big Station Camp Blvd

6/28/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sumner Regional Medical Center, 555 Hartsville Pike

6/30/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Gallatin Civic Center, 210 Albert Gallatin Avenue

Hendersonville

6/16/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hendersonville Community Church, 381 West Main

6/28/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Trinity Baptist Church, 840 Forest Retreat Rd.

Portland

6/16/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Portland Church of Christ, 200 N Russell

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Trousdale

Hartsville

6/24/2021: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hartsville Community Center, 303 Main Street

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Wayne

Collinwood

6/30/2021: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Collinwood Freewill Baptist, 1st Ave North

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Williamson

Brentwood

6/16/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/18/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/21/2021: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Maryland Farms YMCA, 5101 Maryland Way

6/21/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/23/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/23/2021: 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/25/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, 9100 Crockett Road

6/28/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Costco, 98 Seaboard Ln

6/29/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/29/2021: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Best Buy, 1600 Galleria Blvd.

6/30/2021: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Churchill Mortgage, 1749 Mallory Ln, Suite 100

6/30/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., City of Brentwood, Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd.

6/30/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, 9100 Crockett Road

Fairview

6/21/2021: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Walmart-Fairview, 7100 Hopgood Road

Franklin

6/16/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Renaissance High School at Natchez Trace ARC, 129 West Fowlkes St., Suite 100

6/16/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Nashville Predators Galleria, 1800 Galleria Blvd., Suite 2075

6/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter, 129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

6/17/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Westhaven Community, 401 Cheltenham Avenue

6/21/2021: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Franklin Christian Church, 4040 Murfreesboro Road

6/22/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., CoolSprings Galleria, 1800 Galleria Blvd.

6/23/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Christ Community Church, 1215 Hillsboro Road

6/24/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter, 129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

6/28/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Lowe's Home Improvement, 3060 Mallory Lane

6/30/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Lifetime Fitness, 5020 Carothers Parkway

Nolensville

6/29/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Life Community Church, 930 Oldham Rd

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Wilson

Lebanon

6/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1655 Main Street

6/23/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 522 Castle Heights Avenue

Mount Juliet

6/14/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Courtyard by Mariott, 1980 Providence Parkway

6/15/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 3425 N Mount Juliet Road

6/23/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 3425 N Mount Juliet Road

6/29/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Active Life Chiropractic & Rehabilitaton, 12920 Lebanon Road

6/30/2021: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 3425 N Mount Juliet Road

Blood drive safety

The Red Cross has updated its pandemic safety protocols in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions - including social distancing and face masks for donors and staff - have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with state guidance.

Don't wait to give

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.