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Despite recent efforts to boost the blood supply, blood levels remain low in the Tennessee Valley Region. There is less than a 24-hour supply of all blood types combined, with even lower levels of specific blood types. Blood types O+, O-, A- and B- have fallen below a 12-hour supply, or the amount requested by hospitals in a 12-hour period. Continuing to operate at such low blood levels could make it difficult to meet patient need at regional medical centers.

"We are this region's only Level 1 Trauma Center. Because we treat the very sickest of accident victims, our population of critically injured patients consumes a tremendous amount of blood and blood products. In fact, just one of these patients could consume our entire supply of available blood in less than 12 hours. This is why it's so important for people to donate blood and donate it now," said Bryan Cottom, M.D., a Vanderbilt Medical Center Trauma surgeon. "The blood they donate could save the life of a friend, neighbor or even a family member."

"When blood levels reach the critical stage, we run the risk of having to cancel or postpone surgeries. I encourage all eligible blood donors to make an appointment to give blood to the American Red Cross so we can continue to meet the needs of our patients," says James Beattie, M.D., Medical Director of the Clinical Laboratory at The Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY.

In order to boost the blood supply, the Nashville, TN Donor Center located at 2201 Charlotte Avenue is extending blood donation hours:

The Paducah, KY Donor Center located at 4635 Falconcrest Drive is extending hours:

The Bowling Green, KY Donor Center located at 430 Center Street will be open:

The Murfreesboro, TN Donor Center located at 836 Commercial Court will be open:

The Crossville, TN Donor Center located at 11 E. First Street will be open:

If you are at least 17 years of age*, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information about blood donation or to find a blood drive near you, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or visit www.givelife.org.
*In Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, you may give blood at 16 years of age with parental consent.

The American Red Cross is teaming up with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing to launch Red Cross Racing, a campaign to recruit NASCAR fans as blood donors and to raise awareness of the need to give blood.

Through the support of 3M and Roush Fenway, the campaign will launch April 27, 2008, at the Aaron's 499 in Talladega, Ala., and run through Jan. 15, 2009.

The No. 16 Ford Fusion car will feature a full Red Cross paint scheme at the Talladega and Phoenix 2008 Sprint Cup races. NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, a Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member and blood donor, will wear a Red Cross fire suit at these races.

"I'm proud to be an American Red Cross blood donor," said Biffle. "I give blood because it's easy to do and helps support our community. I hope NASCAR fans across the country will join me this racing season in helping to save lives, one drive at a time."

When you visit redcrossracing.com, you will have the opportunity to sign up for a new Donor Rewards Program and build points that can be exchanged for Red Cross Racing gear, including caps, t-shirts, jackets and limited edition die-cast cars. Fans who register will also be eligible to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Checker Auto Parts 500 at the Phoenix International Speedway on Nov. 9, 2008. The prize package includes airfare, hotel, garage and pit tours, and two race tickets.

Visit redcrossracing.com today to learn more!