LOCAL NEWS — Blood supplies across Tennessee, and much of the U.S., are at dangerously low levels due to recent severe weather and the holidays. (Click here to read that story).

You can help at a American Red Cross blood drive being hosted today at Motlow State Community College. Their mobile blood unit will be onsite at 6015 Ledford Mill Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can make an appointment by clicking here. Blood donations usually take about an hour.

According to the Heart of Tennessee chapter of the American Red Cross, there is a critical need to blood donations at this time, especially type O donors. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy, iron-rich meal before donating and to drink plenty of water and get extra rest the day before. If you plan to donate platelets, avoid taking aspirin for two days prior to your donation. For more information, visit the American Red Cross website. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}