Blood Assurance Urges Community to Donate as Summer Demand Rises
Graphic Courtesy of Blood Assurance
In The Know with Gino…
As summer approaches, Blood Assurance, the primary provider of blood for hospitals across the Chattanooga area, is calling on residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to meet increasing hospital needs. All donor centers will remain open on Memorial Day to help ensure an adequate supply during this critical time.
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” marked by a surge in serious car accidents and trauma-related emergencies. Paradoxically, during this time, blood donations tend to decline due to school breaks, vacations, and fewer community drives. To address this seasonal challenge, Blood Assurance emphasizes the importance of community participation.
“Summer is one of the most challenging times to maintain a stable blood supply,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations for Blood Assurance. “We need to collect more than 540 donations every day to meet the needs of our local hospitals. The patients relying on these donations—whether for surgery, cancer treatment, or trauma—are our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones. It takes a community effort to ensure blood is available when it’s needed most.”
Blood donations support a variety of critical medical needs, including cancer treatments, organ transplants, emergency surgeries, and trauma care. Platelet donations are especially vital for patients with life-threatening illnesses, as they have a shelf life of only five days, making regular donations essential.
In a thank-you gesture, all donors who give blood before May 31st will receive a free “Follow My Lead” t-shirt. Additionally, O-negative and AB-Plasma donors will receive a $25 e-gift card, recognizing their universal donor status and ability to help more patients in emergencies.
Donors in June will also be rewarded, with a $20 e-gift card sent via email. O-negative and AB-Plasma donors will receive an enhanced $25 gift card.
To schedule a donation, residents can visit bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777. Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds, and being in good health. Donors are encouraged to hydrate and eat a hearty meal prior to donating.
Since its founding in 1972, Blood Assurance has served more than 70 healthcare facilities across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina. The nonprofit organization remains committed to providing a safe and sufficient blood supply to meet the needs of all area patients.
Community members are urged to answer the call and help save lives this summer.
SOURCE: Blood Assurance
