The Blood Assurance donor center at 705 East 4th Street in Chattanooga will be closed this Saturday, for parking lot renovations. The lab and shipping departments will remain open. Normal hours will resume on Monday. The donor centers in Hixson, at 1920 Northpoint Boulevard, and Fort Oglethorpe, at 2720 Lafayette Road, are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Blood Assurance is a regional blood center that serves 47 counties in a 5 state region and is the provider of blood and blood components for over 70 healthcare facilities. All blood types are currently needed, especially O Negative.
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, please call Blood Assurance at 800/962-0628.