Old Glory waves proudly from my porch because there’s Country in my Blood. I salute America’s veterans and active duty military personnel because there’s Country in my blood. The simple, folk lyrics of country music tug at my heartstrings because there’s Country in my Blood.

It’s the same blood I donate freely to help save lives through the American Red Cross. Is there country in your blood?

Join the American Red Cross and the country music industry in our efforts to boost blood donations.

Help give someone another chance to salute the stars and stripes or another chance to hum the tunes of a favorite country artist.

Every two seconds someone in American needs blood. Since only about eight percent of eligible blood donors give blood, the need is constant. With Country in your Blood, you can make a difference.

Locally, you may give blood on the following dates:

• Friday, May 20, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall located at 551 S. Main St. in Lewisburg.

• Monday, May 23, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Chandlers Elementary School located at 6000 Morgantown Road in Russellville.

All presenting blood donors are automatically entered into a sweepstakes drawing for the following Music City getaway:

An expense paid trip for two to Nashville, Tenn. for a two night stay at Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel, two VIP passes to the Grand Ole Opry, a backstage tour at the Opry House (based on availability at time of travel) and one $300 Visa Gift Card.

For your convenience, you may now schedule blood donation appointments online at www.redcrossblood.org. You may also call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Donors may subscribe to Red Cross texting by sending redcross to 42227 or registering online at redcrossblood.org.

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.