The First Presbyterian Church, 600 N Brittain St., will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and go to Shelbyville Community FPC. This is FPC’s third blood drive event, with their first one being in October where they collected 19 units. For the upcoming blood drive, they have 37 appointment slots filled so far, according to church secretary Chenel Gervais.

“Due to recent challenges in the collection process, the nation’s blood supply is experiencing concerningly low inventories of life-saving blood. If the nation’s blood supply does not stabilize soon, hospitals may be forced to alter treatment for some patients or cancel some patients’ surgeries,” said Gervais.

“We had the space and the time to help and that’s why we chose to do this. This is just one more example how the church can be God’s Hands to His children,” said church elder Melanie Hamilton.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the Red Cross' official website. Donations can be made for whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma.

The American Red Cross will give the blood donated to those in need, according to Hamilton. If you create an account with the Red Cross, they will let you know by email when and where your blood was used.

“Blood donations are desperately needed now to help maintain optimal care for all patients,” said Gervais. “Blood donations are essential to maintaining the stability of the nation’s blood supply, which ensures life-saving medical treatments are available for patients.”

COVID protocols

According to the Red Cross, if you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll need to provide the manufacturer name when you come to donate. Those donating are encouraged to bring their vaccine card. “In most cases, there is no deferral time for individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation,” their website says.

"The American Red Cross employees implemented added precautions to ensure blood drives and donation centers are safe for donors and staff,” Gervais said. There will be hand sanitizer available, while the Red Cross staff will wipe down areas and space the beds 6 feet apart and require a face mask to be worn