Blood Assurance, the regional non-profit blood center, announced the winners of its April promotional contest: Emmanuel Martinez – Chattanooga; Susie Mitchell - Johnson City, Tn.; Mary Pretowitz - Abingdon, Va.; Donnie Bailey - Saltville, Va.; Samantha Powell - Cleveland, Tn.; John Downs - Sparta, Tn.; Adrain Ingram - Johnson City, Tn.; Maurice Carter - Chattanooga. The April winners each received an iPod Shuffle.
Blood Assurance serves 47 counties in a 5 state region, and is the sole provider of blood and blood components for 70 healthcare facilities. Over 440 blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the region served by Blood Assurance with lifesaving blood.
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.
For more information about donating blood, call Blood Assurance at 800 962-0628.