FRANKLIN, TN — The American Red Cross and Suburban Propane are teaming up to help increase awareness of the constant need for blood this summer. The organizations are encouraging eligible donors to roll up a sleeve at the Franklin Donor Day blood drive Wednesday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Williamson County Library Meeting Room, 1314 Columbia Ave., in Franklin. 

Those who come to donate can enjoy an on-site cookout and get a $10 Visa gift card (via email), courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last. Additionally, all presenting donors will receive a pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream and a coupon for Sonic and Chick-fil-A, while supplies last.

“Patients don’t get a summer vacation from needing blood because the need is constant,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment, Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “We appreciate the community supporting our lifesaving mission by rolling up a sleeve and helping to make sure hospitals have blood products on the shelves to respond to patient needs.”

Suburban Propane and the Red Cross have worked together to raise awareness about blood donations since 2012, and this is the fourth summer that Suburban Propane and the Red Cross have partnered to educate the public about the need for blood.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. During the summer months of June, July and August, on average, about one-third fewer donors schedule an appointment to give at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This can add up to more than 64,000 fewer donations during the summer. 

While all blood types are needed, those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. There is no substitute for donated blood products. 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: Franklin19 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. Walk-ins are also welcome.

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. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.