Blood Assurance has sent blood to Florida in the wake of the devastating shooting that has claimed the lives of 17 people and left several in critical condition.
Blood Assurance was contacted by the blood bank that supplies the area where the shooting occurred and was asked to supply O-negative blood to help treat the victims.
“As a parent and grandparent, my heart continues to hurt for those that have to deal with the loss of a loved one in such a tragic and senseless way,” said J.B.
Gaskins, president and CEO at Blood Assurance. “We are comfortable with the decision to ship these O-negative units to the Florida blood bank and we are only able to do so because of the generosity of our donors. We will send what we are able to send while still keeping our local hospitals supplied, and we will monitor our collections and usage locally before we commit to any further shipments.”
Blood Assurance is continuing to communicate with the blood supplier in Florida and will continue to help if able.
Blood Assurance is asking for people with all blood types, especially those with type O-negative, O-positive, and A-negative, to donate at a Blood Assurance facility or mobile. Currently Blood Assurance has only sent O-negative units but wants to be prepared to send other types if needed.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 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. To schedule an appointment at a donor center or blood drive near you, visit
www.bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE ‘ to 444999.