Down the street. Across the country. Around the world. The Red Cross is an organization people can rely on for help, comfort, assistance and compassion.

March is American Red Cross Month. As one of the nation’s best known humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross helps Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters – a role the organization adopted 130 years ago.

On behalf of the Tennessee Valley Region, thank you for helping us continue our service to those who need us, every day.

You are invited to help us celebrate by giving blood or recruiting a friend or family member to give blood. By serving your community through blood donation, you help the Red Cross supply lifesaving blood to hospital patients in need.

Locally, you may give blood on Friday, March 11, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Adairville Elementary School located at 226 School St. in Adairville.

How to Donate Blood:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.