RED CROSS REGIONAL CEO TO GIVE UPDATE ON COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON BLOOD DONATION. COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH ENCOURAGES, “ALL HEALTHY TENNESEANS TO DONATE BLOOD.”
The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now, as well as in the weeks to come to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood.
At press time, more than 4,500 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country amid COVID-19 concerns. That translates to about 150,000 fewer blood donations nationwide.
On Friday, March 20, the Regional Executive for the American Red Cross of Tennessee, Joel Sullivan and Tennessee Dept. of Health Commissioner, Dr. Lisa Piercey will join forces to encourage all healthy citizens to donate blood. Both Sullivan and Dr. Piercey will donate blood after a media briefing on the latest affects of COVID-19 and blood donation.
Workplaces, college campuses and schools are canceling their blood drives as these locations temporarily close and more people are being told to work remotely and practice social distancing. “We are expecting cancellations to continue to increase,” said Sullivan, “This is causing much concern for blood collection organizations, like the Red Cross, as well at hospitals across the country.” The American Red Cross supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.
Sullivan and Dr. Piercey will address the media before their scheduled donation at 10 a.m. – Please park in the parking deck and follow signs to the first floor and donation center lobby.
In related news, Tennessee is falling far short of other states in preparation for Covid 19.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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