3 chiefs donate blood for Hurricane Florence survivors

Three chiefs rolled up their sleeves and donated blood to the American Red Cross Monday to aid neighbors in the Carolinas affected by Hurricane Florence.

Chief Mark Foulks of Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department, Chief Larry Farley of Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department and Chief Deputy Keith Lowery of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office each donated a pint of blood, said Executive Director Kathy Ferrell of the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter.

“These three certainly reflect our mantra of ‘Sleeves Up, Hearts Open, All In,’” Ferrell said. “We are grateful for their leadership and their service.”

All three chiefs cheered each other on while they donated blood.

Both Rutherford County Fire Rescue and Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Departments have personnel serving in the Carolinas right now. Chapter volunteers have actually crossed paths with their teams on multiple occasions.

Hundreds of blood drives were forced to cancel due to the hurricane, resulting in more than 6,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations, she said.

“Donors of all blood types are needed to recover donations canceled by the storm,” Ferrell said. “There is an especially critical need for platelet and Type O blood donations right now.”

People who want to help the hurricane survivors can donate their blood or platelets to help ensure a sufficient blood supply to the American Red Cross.

Appointments may be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

If you have the opportunity to donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org. Scheduling an appointment lessens the wait time.