Upcoming donation drives are planned in Knoxville and Greenback as the Red Cross works to maintain the nation’s blood supply.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Health Center) — The American Red Cross is urging East Tennessee residents to donate blood or platelets this fall as the need for blood remains constant at hospitals across the country.
The Red Cross supplies more than 6.5 million blood products to hospitals nationwide each year, relying on volunteer donors to maintain the blood supply.
September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that disasters can happen without warning and that having an adequate blood supply is an important part of emergency response.
Residents can schedule a donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.
Those who donate between Sept. 21 and Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, according to the Red Cross.
There is also a limited-time promotion for donors at Red Cross blood donation centers. Those who donate between Sept. 21 and Sept. 30 and mention “pickleball” to staff or volunteers can receive a Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball, while supplies last.
Several upcoming donation opportunities are scheduled in the Knoxville and Loudon County areas:
Knoxville
- Oct. 5: Noon to 5 p.m., Gold’s Gym, 6510 Chapman Highway.
- Oct. 6: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., East Tennessee American Red Cross, 6921 Middlebrook Pike.
Greenback
- Oct. 5: Noon to 5 p.m., Greenback Community Center, 6889 Morganton Road.
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment ahead of time to help maintain the region’s blood supply.
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