Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis: Where to Donate in Murfreesboro

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, only the second in its 145-year history, and Middle Tennessee hospitals have postponed elective procedures. Here is where to give blood in Murfreesboro, including drives at MTSU on Oct. 22 and downtown on Oct. 23.

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, and the Heart of Tennessee Chapter in Murfreesboro is asking eligible Rutherford County residents to book a donation. It is only the second time in the Red Cross's 145-year history that the organization has used the term "national crisis," WGNS reported on Sept. 26.

How Bad Is the Shortage?

According to the Red Cross, as reported by WGNS:

• Donations nationwide have fallen to a four-year summer low.
• Type O positive and Type O negative, the blood types most often used in emergencies and trauma, have dropped below a one-day national supply.
• The Red Cross has had to limit how much Type O blood it sends to hospitals.
• Hospital networks in Middle Tennessee, including Ascension Saint Thomas, have postponed elective procedures because blood isn't available.

Summer heat waves, wildfire smoke, poor air quality and seasonal illness all contributed to the drop in donors. Normally, the Red Cross moves blood from regions with a surplus, but every region is strained at once.

Heart of Tennessee Chapter Executive Director John Mitchell says the solution is straightforward: donations. All blood types are needed, and Type O and platelets are in emergency demand. The Red Cross says adding just three more donors to every blood drive nationwide would significantly stabilize the supply.

Where to Donate Blood in Murfreesboro

• Murfreesboro American Red Cross, 501 Memorial Blvd. Various days and times. Sponsor code: MurfreesboroTN.
• Middle Tennessee State University, 1737 Blue Raider Dr. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsor code: MTSU. Event details.
• First Presbyterian Church of Murfreesboro, 210 N. Spring St. Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, noon to 6 p.m. Sponsor code: FirstPresMboro. Event details.

Book an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, in the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A Blood Assurance blood drive at Liberty Federal Credit Union is also on the calendar for Sept. 30.

Other Ways to Help This Fall

Rutherford County residents looking for more ways to give back can check the community events calendar, including the Walk to End Alzheimer's at MTSU and the canned-food entry for the city's Pumpkin Fun Run, which benefits Greenhouse Ministries. Find care close to home in the urgent care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I donate blood in Murfreesboro?

The American Red Cross donor center is at 501 Memorial Blvd. (sponsor code MurfreesboroTN). Upcoming drives are at MTSU, 1737 Blue Raider Dr., on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at First Presbyterian Church, 210 N. Spring St., on Oct. 23 from noon to 6 p.m.

Why is there a blood shortage in 2026?

The Red Cross says donations fell to a four-year summer low because of heat waves, wildfire smoke, poor air quality and seasonal illness, pushing Type O supplies below one day nationally.

What blood type is most needed?

All types are needed, but Type O positive, Type O negative and platelets are in emergency demand.

Are Middle Tennessee hospitals affected by the blood shortage?

Yes. WGNS reported that hospital networks in Middle Tennessee, including Ascension Saint Thomas, have postponed elective procedures because of the shortage.

How do I make a Red Cross blood donation appointment?

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Use the sponsor code for the drive you want to attend.

Source: WGNS: Blood Crisis Hits Home in Rutherford County.