NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 22, 2020) – This Thanksgiving season, the American Red Cross is partnering with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit to encourage eligible donors to give thanks and give life by rolling up a sleeve at the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Blood Drive, 2345 Madison St. in Clarksville Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Red Cross in Nashville and Clarksville each Monday in November.
In thanks, all presenting donors Nov. 2-30 will receive a coupon* for a Dickey’s Classic Pulled Pork Sandwich, which features slow-smoked pork pulled to perfection on a warm brioche bun. (This offer is for select blood drives Nov. 2-3, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Limit one (1) per presenting donor. No purchase necessary.)
“At Dickey’s we believe in doing both well and good, which is why we’re proud to partner with the American Red Cross to encourage folks in the community to help save a life this holiday season,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit partnership comes as the Red Cross currently faces an urgent need for all blood types, especially types O negative and positive. Blood, platelet and plasma donors are needed in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving to help ensure blood products are available for patients throughout the holiday season.
“Many blood donors do not give around the holidays, a time when an overall decline in donations can occur,” said Garry Allison, regional donor services executive, Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has a long-standing tradition of serving those who serve our communities and this partnership is a great example of their appreciation to our donors and their commitment to helping maintain the blood supply during these crucial times of the year.”
Eligible donors can help meet the urgent need for blood by scheduling an appointment to give at one of the 11 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit sponsored blood drives in Clarksville or Nashville.
Important COVID-19 information for donors
The Red Cross is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit blood donation opportunities Nov. 2-30
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
2345 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37043
11/3/2020: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nashville Blood Donation Center
2201 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
11/2/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
11/9/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
11/16/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
11/23/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
11/30/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Clarksville American Red Cross
1760 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37043
11/2/2020: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
11/9/2020: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
11/16/2020: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
11/23/2020: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
11/30/2020: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: DickeysBBQ or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.