Flu Season Plagues Blood Assurance, Urgent Need for Donors
In The Know with Gino…
Blood Assurance, the primary blood supplier for hospitals in the Chattanooga area, is facing a critical shortage as flu season grips the region. A surge in flu-like illnesses has led to numerous canceled blood drives and a significant increase in missed donor appointments, severely impacting the organization’s already strained blood supply.
The organization currently has less than a day’s supply of O-positive and B-negative blood, along with a critical shortage of platelets. O-negative blood, the universal donor type, is also in extremely high demand. While all blood types are needed, these shortages are particularly concerning.
Blood Assurance is urging healthy individuals to donate as soon as possible. To encourage participation, they are offering several incentives:
February 14th: All donors will receive a special pair of gloves, with a matching set for your Valentine! A perfect way to show you care.
February 15th – 28th: All donors will be automatically entered to win a $500 e-gift card. One lucky donor will win!
O-negative and AB-plasma Donors: As an added bonus, O-negative and AB-plasma donors will receive a $25 e-gift card for their generous contribution.
Donating blood is a safe and simple process that can have a profound impact. With the current critical shortages, Blood Assurance is relying on the generosity of the community to help ensure local hospitals have the blood they need to treat patients.
To find a donation center near you or to schedule an appointment, please visit the BloodAssurance.org, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE
to 999777.
To be eligible to donate, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids and eat a hearty meal prior to donating.
About Blood Assurance:
Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care 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, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.
