(RUTHERFORD COUNTY)  Just as most cars need to be refueled constantly, so does the nation’s blood supply. The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.

The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.

“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”

Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fuel up on us

As blood and platelet donations drop, gas prices have reached all-time highs in the U.S. As a thank-you,

all who come to give Aug. 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*

Upcoming August 1 - 15 Donation Sites

La Vergne

8/6/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., LaVergne High School, 250 Wolverine Trail

8/10/2022: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Miracle Baptist Church, 205 Easy Street

Murfreesboro

8/1/2022: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/2/2022: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/3/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Gateway, 1272 Garrison Drive

8/4/2022: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., River Oaks Community Church, 210 Rucker Ln

8/4/2022: 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/5/2022: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/6/2022: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/7/2022: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/8/2022: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/9/2022: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/11/2022: 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/12/2022: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/13/2022: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/14/2022: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

8/15/2022: 12:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

Smyrna

8/4/2022: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., St. Luke Catholic Church - Knights of Columbus, 10602 Old Nashville Hwy.