Local blood donor site is waiting for you

June 19, 2008 05:27 pm

— A major car accident requires anywhere from 4 to 40 units of red blood cells and hospitals don't always have as much on hand as they need. This can be easily avoided by concerned citizens going to any of the blood drives held regularly in the community.
But, what if you can't make it to one of these blood drives and still want to give your life-saving gift? The American Red Cross has made it easier than ever by opening a new permanent blood donation center.
"I have been giving [blood] every two months," said Charles English as he prepared to leave the center recently after donating. "I cut down to every four months. I was going to cut down all together, but my doctor said 'You're all right, keep going.' Since this is so convenient, I will go back to every two months."
Robert Vickers echoed praise for the convenience of the blood donor center.
"I didn't have to wait at all when I came in. Usually, when there is a blood drive, I have to wait an hour and 15 minutes. This took 30 minutes."
Cumberland County has a history of strong support of mobile blood drives. Now, with a permanent donation site available, even more people will have the opportunity to give blood.
Ray Kordek, donor services supervisor, said, "This gives the citizens of not only Crossville, but also Cookeville, Jamestown, Sparta, any of the outlying communities, an opportunity do donate because our hours are set. They'll be able to know exactly which days we are open. It gives them an extra opportunity to donate throughout the year."
Staff were kept busy this past Wednesday as a steady stream of donors walked through the doors to give blood. Three staff members serve the blood donation center, at 11 East First St., across from the Palace Theatre.
To be eligible to donate, you must be healthy on the day of donation and be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit. Donors should wait 56 days between blood donations, and wait 112 days between double red cell donations.
The Crossville blood donor site is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors can make appointments by calling the Crossville office at (931) 337-0247, or may call the Nashville office at (615) 346-7866. Walk-ins are welcome.

Photos

Jennifer Goodwin prepares Charles English for his blood donation at the new Red Cross Donor Center. The new donor center is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (931) 337-0247 to schedule your donation time.