Red Cross honors Carl Hirlston

Every year, the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross works with thousands of volunteers in our mission to help save lives. 

A handful of our local volunteers are selected by our Board to be honored as true “Hometown Heroes”. This year, the winners were honored with a luncheon and awards ceremony, Tuesday, Oct. 8.

One of the winners we honored was Woodbury resident, Carl Hirlston. Carl was awarded the American Red Cross Outstanding Volunteer Award for his outstanding contributions to the Red Cross during his volunteer efforts that have spanned approximately 15 years.

Since May 2000, Carl has helped collect more than 6,500 pints of blood. When you consider the fact one donation can help save up to three lives, his efforts helped save up to 20,000 lives! Carl has a system in place to track donors who roll up a sleeve and he goes out of his way to make them feel special by taking photos donors as they reach each gallon.

 Carl loves helping others by volunteering with the Red Cross and other organizations.  He spends his time, energy and money serving others.

 The Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood products to 58 local hospitals. Every day, we need about 600 donors to give blood products in order to supply the local demand.

 Visit redcrossblood.org to find the nearest closest drive or donor center.