LIFELINE Issues Critical Appeal for Blood Donations

Lifeline Blood Services issued a critical and immediate appeal for all blood types on July 28 after medical emergencies significantly depleted the region’s blood supply.

Two local patients required massive, lifesaving blood transfusions over the prior weekend. One patient was treated for a dissected abdominal aortic aneurysm, while another suffered a punctured heart during surgery.

“Our community’s blood supply can change in an instant. These emergencies are a powerful reminder that blood cannot be manufactured- it can only come from generous volunteer donors. We need our community to respond now so we are prepared for the next patient whose life will depend on having blood available immediately. Without immediate donors, patient care will be directly impacted," said Melinda Reid, marketing manager with Lifeline Blood Services.

Blood must be available before an emergency occurs. Trauma victims, surgical patients, cancer patients, and individuals with chronic illnesses depend on a ready and reliable blood supply every day.

Lifeline Blood Services asks all eligible donors, regardless of blood type, to donate as soon as possible. No appointment is necessary to donate on a bloodmobile or at one of Lifeline's donation centers in Jackson, Dyersburg or Paris. It only requires about 30 to 45 minutes of your time.

Lifeline Blood Services, located at 183 Sterling Farms Drive, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Dyersburg Center (1130 Hwy 51 Bypass, Ste. 19 & 20) and Paris Center (211 Tyson Ave.) have the following operating hours: Sunday through Tuesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Thursday and Friday.

See Lifeline Blood Services' local blood drive locations in August:

HUNTINGDON — Cash Savers, August 6, 1–6 p.m.

PARIS — First United Methodist Church, August 6, 12–6 p.m.

McKENZIE — E.W. James & Sons, August 18, 12–5 p.m.

PARIS — West TN Healthcare, Henry County Hospital, August 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

TREZEVANT — Centennial Bank, August 21, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

DRESDEN — E.W. James & Sons, August 21, 12–5:30 p.m.

HUNTINGDON — Walmart, August 28, 12:30–5:30 p.m.

August is the last full month of Lifeline Blood Services' Eighth Annual Car Giveaway. Enter for your chance to win a 2024 Ford Maverick XLT truck donated by Joe Mahan Ford / no donation or purchase required. This promotion ends Sunday, September 6. Learn more at Lifelinebloodserv.org.