Blood is a perishable and vital product that can only be replenished through the generosity of live donors. Each blood and platelet donation can save the lives of as many as three friends and neighbors.

Across the country blood supplies remain critically low. Winter months usually make it difficult to collect the blood and platelets necessary to adequately supply area hospitals like Vanderbilt Medical Center at Tullahoma. Seasonal illness, busy holiday schedules, colder temperatures and now, the COVID-19 pandemic make it harder to get donations. In that spirit, the American Red Cross reminds locals that January is National Blood Donor Month.

The Health Occupation Students of America chapter at Moore County High School plan to help. They plan an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment contact the high school at 931-759-4231 or visit the American Red Cross website and enter the sponsor code MooreCoHSchool.

You can streamline your donation time by pre-qualifying for a blood donation through the Red Cross Rapid Pass process on the website. You can also download the Blood Donor App onto your smart phone.

MCHS will host a second American Red Cross Mobile Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover 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.}