(MURFREESBORO)  First responders from around the state teamed up with the American Red Cross, Ascension Saint Thomas, and the Tennessee Titans and collected a record-breaking amount of blood donations during the “Remembering the Badges” blood drive. The Red Cross continues to face a critical shortage of blood, but the Patriot's Day event collected 5,143 pints. That's more than 48 per cent above the original goal of 2,977 blood donations, equal to the lives lost on 9/11. 

Those donations will be used in area hospitals to save the lives of up to 15,429 patients. 

This was the thirteenth-year for the “Remembering the Badges" blood drive partnership with the Red Cross and is one of the largest-sponsored blood drives in Tennessee. Supporting law enforcement and fire personnel, while helping to save lives through blood donation, is a long-standing tradition.

Red Cross Still Critically LOW

“The need for blood does not stop and as we continue to battle this pandemic it is imperative for people to continue to donate at local Red Cross blood drives and at our blood donation centers in Nashville and Murfreesboro, added Allison. “These brave men and women who serve our communities have shown how we can come together and give life-saving blood to help those on the frontlines to help patients with traumatic injuries and surgeries this fall. To give more time to a family with a loved one battling cancer. To help someone battling sickle-cell disease. The need never stops.”   

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and Power Reds can be donated every 112 days. Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. In most states, individuals who are 17 years old (16 years old 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 need to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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.  

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. 

Red Cross Helping In TN Flood Areas

American Red Cross disaster responders from across Tennessee and the nation continue to help those in Houston, Hickman, Humphreys and Dickson counties following catastrophic flooding on Aug. 21, 2021. The area received up to 17 inches of rain in 12 hours and is being called a historic flooding event in Tennessee history with tragic loss of life and more than 700 homes considered as destroyed or suffering major destruction. The Red Cross is working beside community partners to help residents and link them to partner agencies who can help on the long road to recovery. 

To help people in the Middle Tennessee area whose homes were affected by the August flooding, the American Red Cross of the Tennessee Region has developed a client casework phone line for residents to register for assistance. Clients can call 833-583-3114.