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

The American Red Cross declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history on July 27, and says the supply remains vulnerable this fall. Here is where to give blood in Murfreesboro, including drives at MTSU on Oct. 22 and downtown on Oct. 23.

The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis on July 27, 2026, only the second in its history, and the organization says the blood supply is still vulnerable heading into fall. For Rutherford County residents who are eligible to give, Murfreesboro has a full-time donation center and two community drives on the calendar this month.

How Bad Was the Shortage?

According to the Red Cross's July 27 announcement:

• Blood donations had fallen to a four-year summer low.
• The Red Cross had less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood, the most commonly transfused blood type.
• The Red Cross began limiting distributions of type O blood to individual hospitals.
• Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses were cutting into donor turnout while hospital demand was up during the summer trauma season.

The only other national blood crisis the Red Cross has declared was in January 2022. The organization said that just three more donors at each blood drive could end the crisis and stabilize the supply.

Where Things Stand This Fall

In an Aug. 24 release, the Red Cross said the supply continues to recover from critically low levels thanks to thousands of summer donors, but remains vulnerable as back-to-school schedules make donors less available and tropical systems in the Atlantic threaten to disrupt blood drives. All blood types are needed, and type O accounts for about 60% of Red Cross blood distributions.

Where to Donate Blood in Murfreesboro

• Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center, 501 Memorial Blvd. Open multiple days each week, with hours that vary by day. Sponsor code: MurfreesboroTN.
• Middle Tennessee State University, Paul W. Martin Building Honors College, 1737 Blue Raider Dr. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsor code: MTSU. Event details. More MTSU drives are scheduled Nov. 2-4 at 1848 Blue Raider Drive.
• 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). Donors need a blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification at check-in. A Blood Assurance blood drive at Liberty Federal Credit Union was also held 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 Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center is at 501 Memorial Blvd. (sponsor code MurfreesboroTN). Upcoming drives are at MTSU's Paul W. Martin Building, 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 was there a blood shortage in 2026?

The Red Cross says donations fell to a four-year summer low as extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses kept donors away while hospital demand rose, leaving less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood.

Is the national blood crisis over?

The Red Cross said Aug. 24 that the supply continues to recover from critically low levels but remains vulnerable this fall, so it is still urging eligible donors to book appointments.

What blood type is most needed?

All types are needed. Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type, and type O negative is the universal type used in emergencies.

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.

Sources: American Red Cross: national blood supply crisis declaration, July 27, 2026, American Red Cross: Aug. 24, 2026 blood supply update, RedCrossBlood.org drive listings.