Blood Assurance is urging Chattanooga-area residents to donate as the organization’s supply of type O blood falls below one day. Local hospital needs have been higher than usual, while Fall Break has contributed to a drop in donations.
Blood Assurance needs about 600 donations each day to serve local hospitals. Fewer than 400 donors gave blood each day on Monday and Tuesday this week. As the supplier for all Chattanooga-area hospitals, Blood Assurance depends on local donors to help keep blood available for patients who need it.
All donors will receive a “Game Changers” T-shirt. Donors who give double red cells, O-negative whole blood, platelets or AB plasma will also receive a $25 e-gift card.
Appointments: BloodAssurance.org or 800-962-0628. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Donor eligibility: Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Donors should eat an iron-rich meal, drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine before donating, and bring a photo ID.2
About Blood Assurance
Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, Blood Assurance’s mission is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.
