Blood Assurance Faces Critical Blood Shortage, Urges Community to Donate

Graphic Courtesy of Blood Assurance

In The Know with Gino…

Blood Assurance, the primary provider of blood and blood products for hospitals across the Chattanooga area, is facing a severe shortage, with only a one-day supply of several blood types remaining. The organization is calling on eligible community members to step up and donate blood immediately to prevent a potential crisis in patient care.

As the region’s vital blood supplier, Blood Assurance relies heavily on local donors to maintain a stable supply that can meet the needs of hospitals and patients. Currently, the organization warns that the low inventory could jeopardize the ability to provide lifesaving transfusions when emergencies arise.

“All it takes is a single accident, emergency surgery, or trauma event to rapidly deplete the blood supply,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations for Blood Assurance. “Right now, we are operating at levels that leave very little margin. We need donors to step up as soon as possible.”

To incentivize donations and encourage community participation, Blood Assurance is offering a $25 eGift Card to all donors who give blood through February 28th. Additionally, donors will be entered into a drawing to win one of seven $100 eGift Cards, with one winner selected from each service area.

Every blood donation has the potential to help save up to three lives, emphasizing the critical importance of community involvement during this urgent time.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Donors are advised to eat a hearty meal and stay well-hydrated before donating.

Those interested in helping stabilize the blood supply are encouraged to learn more and schedule a donation at bloodassurance.org.

SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse