A blood drive in memory of Cindy Pare’s father, J.D. Wooten, will be held at the Blood Assurance donor center located at 705 East 4th Street in Chattanooga on Monday, March 9. Donors are invited to give blood and celebrate Mr. Wooten’s life from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. :
Mr. Wooten passed away on March 9, 2014 after fighting acute myeloid leukemia for 29 months. One of his favorite sayings was “tighten up.” He wanted to remind people to stay on the right path and not let things distract them. While suffering from leukemia, he received numerous blood and platelet transfusions from volunteer blood donors. Because of those donors, Cindy was able to spend precious time with her father. She wants to personally thank blood donors for what they do to help save lives in our community every day and will be in the donor center during the drive. Mr. Wooten was a blood donor himself for many years and Cindy has carried on that legacy as a long-time O negative donor with Blood Assurance.
Blood Assurance is a non-profit regional blood center responsible for supplying blood and blood components to seventy-four healthcare facilities in fifty-one counties. Over 540 blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the hospitals served by Blood Assurance.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a complimentary snack and t shirt. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. Your one donation can save three lives.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to donate, please call 423-756-0966. Walk-ins are also welcome.