Lifeblood and the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will host a public blood drive on Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rooms 201-204 of the UTHSC General Education Building, 8 South Dunlap.
The UTHSC blood drive comes at a vital time, according to Lifeblood. “We are always in need of O negative donors, the universal blood type that is used in emergency situations,” said Jennifer Gladstone, public relations manager for Lifeblood. “In December, we start to see a decrease in donors because of holiday travel and donors taking time off work. The UTHSC blood drive can help us make sure patients have blood during an otherwise difficult time of year.”
Participants will also be able to donate double red cells on an apheresis machine at the blood drive, Gladstone said. The machine allows donors to safely give two units of red blood cells during one donation, while the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. This lets donors give the blood component that is in greatest demand.
Walk-ins are welcome. Donors may schedule appointments by calling (901) 529-6320 or visiting clublifeblood.org.