MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — The American Red Cross is asking Rutherford County residents to help save lives this summer by donating blood or platelets as the demand for lifesaving transfusions increases during the busy Fourth of July holiday period.

Donors of all blood types are needed, but type O donors are especially encouraged to give now to help maintain a stable blood supply for area hospitals. Type O-negative is often used in emergencies when there is no time to match a patient’s blood type, and type O-positive is the most common, making it crucial for everyday needs.

Blood donations are urgently needed to ensure hospitals can continue to treat patients facing trauma, chronic conditions, and sudden emergencies.

To encourage donations, the Red Cross has partnered with goodr to offer a special thank-you gift. All donors who give between July 1 and July 14 will receive a pair of exclusive Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Each pair includes a sticker to proudly display your blood type.

Additionally, donors who give by June 30 will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and be automatically entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards.

🩸 Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities in Rutherford County

Here’s where and when you can give locally:

• June 23

  • 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Rutherford County Sheriff's Dept., 940 New Salem Hwy.

  • 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

• June 24

  • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., World Outreach Church, 1921 New Salem Hwy.

• June 26–30

  • Multiple times at Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd.

  • June 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, 3400 Lebanon Road

  • June 30, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., World Outreach Church

• July 1–14

  • First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro, St. Rose Catholic Preschool, World Outreach Church, Rutherford County Health Department, and ongoing dates at the Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center

(See full list of dates and times at RedCrossBlood.org)

✅ How to Donate:

Make your appointment by:

• Visiting RedCrossBlood.org

• Calling 1-800-RED CROSS

• Using the Red Cross Blood Donor App