Blood Assurance Urges Community to Donate Blood Ahead of Fourth of July Weekend
Graphic Courtesy of Blood Assurance
In The Know with Gino…
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Blood Assurance is sounding the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for blood donations to meet rising demand during the summer months. The nonprofit organization is calling on local residents to donate now, before the holiday weekend, when blood supplies typically dwindle.
“People are traveling, schools are out, and routine blood drives slow down, but emergencies don’t take a vacation,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations at Blood Assurance. “We typically see more trauma cases during the summer, particularly around the Fourth. We need the community to act now to ensure blood is available when patients need it most.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, or traumatic injuries. Since blood cannot be manufactured, it relies entirely on volunteer donors. Currently, only about 3% of eligible Americans donate, yet a single donation can save up to three lives.
Blood Assurance serves over 70 healthcare facilities across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina, with the Chattanooga-area hospitals depending heavily on local donors. To meet the daily demand of approximately 540 donations, the organization is encouraging community members to roll up their sleeves.
Special Incentives for Donors This July:
To thank donors during this critical period, Blood Assurance is offering:
– A $20 e-gift card for all donors with a valid email on file
– A $25 e-gift card for O-negative and AB plasma donors
– An extra $50 e-gift card for O donors who join the Hero Club and donate either double red cells once or whole blood twice by August 31st (with the first donation of whole blood needing to occur by July 6th)
How to Donate:
All blood types are needed, and donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Donors are encouraged to eat a hearty meal and stay hydrated before donating.
Appointments can be scheduled online at bloodassurance.org/schedule, by calling 800-962-0628, or by texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-in appointments are also welcome at any Blood Assurance center or mobile drive.
Community groups and local businesses are invited to host blood drives, with Blood Assurance offering mobile units and partnerships to facilitate collection efforts.
About Blood Assurance:
Founded in 1972, Blood Assurance is a nonprofit regional blood center dedicated to providing a safe and sufficient blood supply to more than 70 healthcare facilities across five states. Their mission is to ensure that every patient in need receives the blood components they require.
SOURCE: Blood Assurance
