In an effort to replenish the universal blood supply needed by local hospitals, non-profit regional blood center, Blood Assurance, is partnering with the Chattanooga Zoo to give away free zoo tickets to everyone who donates blood on Monday or Tuesday.
Participating donor centers include: 705 East 4th St.; 1740 Gunbarrel Road (Behind FSG Bank); 2855 Keith St. NW (Across from Tractor Supply Company in Cleveland); 2720 Lafayette Road. (Yellow Building next to Sear's Shoes); 1920 Northpoint Blvd., Suite A (Behind Lowe's in Hixson) and 785 Shugart Road in Dalton. Visitors to any of the organization’s Chattanooga area bloodmobiles on Monday and Tuesday will also receive a free zoo ticket.
“Our hospitals are daily in need of blood-whether it’s for cancer patients, heart surgeries or victims of car accidents, the need for blood is constant," said Charlie Callari, vice president of marketing and donor recruitment for Blood Assurance, Inc. 'We encourage everyone who is eligible to visit a local center or bloodmobile on Monday or Tuesday and receive a free ticket to the Chattanooga Zoo. We appreciate all community members who donate every day and help save lives across our region.”
Blood Assurance believes in giving back to the communities in which its serves. Blood donations stay local, but when local supplies are insufficient to meet needs, Blood Assurance has its own network of 15 regional donation centers and 13 mobile centers available to help.
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. A full list of donor center locations, hours and how to schedule an appointment can be found on www.BloodAssurance.org. For additional information you may call 800.962-0628 or follow @BloodAssurance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.