Blood drives scheduled for main campus and Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital

Right now, the American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during the coronavirus pandemic. It is anticipated the pandemic could decrease the nation’s available blood supply by 25%. 

To help, the American Red Cross will be holding twice weekly blood drives at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Light Hall. Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital will be holding weekly blood drives through a mobile donation center provided by Blood Assurance.

"The need for blood donations persists through the coronavirus pandemic. Caring for the unique population of patients we serve, especially those who are traumatically injured, means VUMC is Middle Tennessee's largest consumer of blood and blood products from the American Red Cross. If you are able to donate, we would appreciate your help," said C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer.  

To schedule an appointment on the main VUMC campus, go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code Vandy19. The sign up link is https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vandy19.

It's possible to streamline your donation by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/rapidpass to complete a pre-donation reading and health history questions ahead of time on donation day. 

To schedule an appointment at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, visit https://donor.bloodassurance.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/123331. The Bloodmobile will be parked in front of the hospital’s main campus at 1411 W. Baddour Parkway in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Blood donation is safe to do and is an essential activity 

Edited 3/25/2020 to add this statement from the American Red Cross about the safety of donation during this time:

The American Red Cross understands public health concerns regarding donating blood during the COVID-19 pandemic, but wants to stress that donating blood is a safe process and Red Cross blood drives have the highest safety standards. American Red Cross blood drives are essential and directly support clinical AND other emergency services remaining open, including for trauma and oncology patients. More than 6,000 blood drives and 200,000 donations have been canceled in recent days, creating a serious shortage. It is safe to donate at this time.

Upcoming Times and Dates for Red Cross Blood Drives on VUMC's main campus:

Upcoming Times and Dates for Blood Assurance Blood Drives at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital: