Non-profit regional blood center Blood Assurance encourages the community to donate blood to avoid shortage over the upcoming long weekend. Holidays often cause a drop in the blood available for patients as donations are low.
“Around holiday weekends many regular blood and platelet donors are away, which means supplies can dip,” said Jay Baumgardner, executive director of Community Relations and Business Development for Blood Assurance. “The need for blood doesn't stop or take a day off; please encourage family and friends to come in and give.
There are patients in hospitals that are relying on blood donations every day.”
On Thursday, April 13, through Monday, April 17, all donors (18+) will be entered to win two tickets to Dollywood. Those donating platelets will be entered twice to double their chance of winning. Additionally, all blood donors will receive a #BALifesaver hat as a thank you for donating. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (17 and 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, visit www.bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628 or text BAGIVE to 444999.
Donor Centers:
Chattanooga - Main Office
705 East 4th Street
(423) 756-0966
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gunbarrel Road
1748 Gunbarrel Rd.
Suite 104
(423) 893-7454
Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
1st/3rd Sat of every month 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
North River (Hixson)
1920 Northpoint Blvd., Suite A
(423) 876-5289
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fort Oglethorpe
2720 Lafayette Rd.
(706) 861-5983
Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Cleveland, Tn.
201 Keith Street SW
Suite 19
(423) 476-3201
Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Dalton, Ga.
785 Shugart Rd.
Suite 5
(706) 226-7735
Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.