Non-profit regional blood center, Blood Assurance, is hosting a Memorial Day themed blood drive in honor of local veterans who have served in the United States military. For each donation received beginning Friday, until Memorial Day, Blood Assurance will donate $1 to various American Legion organizations across the region.
Donors will receive a customized backpack and will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of Garth Brooks concert tickets. The organization encourages the community to make a lifesaving donation in honor of a friend or family member who has served in the United States military.
According to the American Legion organization, its mission is to serve veterans, servicemembers and communities. The organization currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.
“This Memorial Day weekend, we want to honor the legacies of those who risked their lives serving our country. We hope that donors will consider serving their communities by making a donation in honor of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for others,” said Charlie Callari, vice president of marketing and donor recruitment for Blood Assurance, Inc. “All of the donations we receive will not only help save lives across the region, they will be matched with a $1 donation to a local American Legion organization.”
Over 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the demand of local hospitals, and just one donation can save up to three lives across the region.
“The veterans we pause to remember on Memorial Day are the patriots who left their homes and families when their country called. They gave their last full measure of devotion in defense of our freedom. The American Legion is committed to keeping the memory of their sacrifices alive for generations to come. This blood drive will help us in keeping their memories alive,” said Gordon Mikitka, department of Tennessee PR chairman for the American Legion organization.
To be eligible to donate blood, one 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.
For more information on Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, please visitwww.bloodassurance.org or call 1-800-962-0628.