Titans team up with American Red Cross
Blood banks across the country are struggling with one- and two-day blood supplies. The Tennessee Titans recognize an emergency when they see it. General Manager Floyd Reese asks all eligible people to step up, give blood and proudly wear their bandage as a badge of honor.
“Blood shortages aren’t good for anyone and they can be avoided,” said Reese. “Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is work for the whole community. If everyone who is eligible gave two times a year, we’d never hear of shortages again.”
The American Red Cross schedules 15 to 18 blood drives per day throughout the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. Schedules are available by calling 1-800 GIVE LIFE.
Everyone visiting a “Badge of Honor” blood drive between August 1 and September 30 can register for Tennessee Titans tickets. The drawing will be held October 1.
Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region is working under an emergency appeal status. The blood bank has moved blood supplies between hospitals to keep up with patient demand. Blood products have been imported from other areas.
Shortages are being reported at every drive. Donors are responding at less then 70 percent of patient needs. Businesses are not scheduling blood drives because employees are out on vacation. Additional sponsors are needed. A sponsor’s role is to recruit donors.
While 60 percent of the population is medically eligible to give blood, only 5 percent do. Questions about eligibility can be answered by calling (615) 327-8571 (or 1-800 GIVE LIFE).
Patients in area hospitals need the generosity of donors every day because blood has a short shelf life. Red blood cells are useful for 42 days, platelets for five. Plasma can be stored frozen for up to a year.
To be eligible to give, donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and must not have given whole blood in the last 56 days. There is no upper age limit for blood donation. More information about blood and blood donation is available on the Red Cross website. Titans information is available at www.titansonline.com.