Blood Assurance on Thursday commended the efforts of students and staff at the Southeast Lineman Training Center, the premier training school for apprentice lineworkers in the electric utility industry, for their willingness to give life-saving blood donations during Friday’s mobile blood drive at the training center’s Trenton facility.
“The accomplishments of the Southeast Lineman are greatly appreciated,” said Felicia Atteron, donor recruiter at Blood Assurance. “This elite group not only supports the community by braving storms to repair utility lines, but also displays commitment toward replenishing the regional blood supply, which ultimately saves lives.”
Blood Assurance praises the 45 volunteers who gave a total of 79 units of blood on Friday.
As a result of this drive, 39 first-time donors were registered in Blood Assurance’s database which provides donors with their blood type and allows them to track their donation frequency.
“Our admiration of Blood Assurance’s work in the area is immense,” said Cheryl Wallin, executive assistant at the Southeast Lineman Training Center. “This blood drive was a valuable experience for our team, which ultimately served as a way for our members to create a substantial bond with each other that will be beneficial when in high-pressure situations in the field.”
This mobile blood drive came at a crucial time for regional hospitals whose leaders announced Monday the increased need for units of blood due to a rise in trauma patients. 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. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. For more information on Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, please visit www.bloodassurance.org or call 423 765-9262.