Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:20 am

Snow and ice across the Tennessee Valley Region forced the cancelation of numerous blood drives.

As a result, there is currently less than a 3-day supply of all blood types combined and less than a 1-day supply of blood types O- and B-. In fact, the supply of O- and B- blood is at emergency levels nationwide.

Your blood donation can help increase the inventory so the Red Cross can meet any blood needs that arise in the Tennessee Valley Region or wherever blood is needed.

It’s the blood on the shelves today that helps save lives tomorrow.

Locally, you may give blood on the following dates:

o Monday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Middle Tennessee State University located at 1301 E. Main St. in Murfreesboro.

o Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Motlow State Community College located at 5002 Motlow State Blvd. in Smyrna.

o Sunday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church located at 1601 N. Tennessee Blvd. in Murfreesboro.

In addition, the Murfreesboro Donor Center is open:
o 1st, 4th and 5th Sunday, 7 a.m. to 12 noon
o Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
o Tuesday & Wednesday, Closed
o Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
o Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
o Saturday, 7 a.m. to 12 noon

Donors may subscribe to Red Cross texting by sending redcross to 42227 or registering online at redcrossblood.org.

How to Donate Blood:
Log on to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.