The UT-Chattanooga community is invited to be part of the quest to help local hospital patients as the university and Blood Assurance host the semi-annual Bloodanooga blood drive. The theme for this event is Super Mario.
The two-day blood drive will take place Monday and Tuesday of next week from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. inside the University Center Tennessee Room. It’s open to all university students, faculty, staff and the general public.
“Each time we return to campus, we are filled with gratitude,” said Dr.
Liz Culler, chief executive officer for Blood Assurance. “The support and generous spirit embraced by the students and staff helps fuel our mission to save lives. It is crucial for healthy students to answer the call to give blood, especially knowing their donation is directly impacting people right here in Chattanooga.”
Since Bloodanooga was first held in 2011, nearly 8,000 units of blood have been collected. The goal for this event is to see at least 150 donors each day, officials said.
Blood Assurance will be awarding each blood donor on Monday and Tuesday a commemorative Super Mario Bloodanooga t-shirt. Donors will also be entered to win a Nintendo Switch. Free food and drinks will also be available.
"You don’t need to make an appointment, just walk in at your convenience," organizers said.
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.