Rep. Yusuf Hakeem and Blood Assurance CEO J.B. Gaskins
Blood Assurance recognized a state lawmaker from Tennessee on Tuesday for donating his tenth gallon of whole blood.
State Representative Yusuf Hakeem was congratulated by Blood Assurance CEO J.B. Gaskins at the community blood bank’s donation center in downtown. Mr. Gaskins awarded Rep. Hakeem with a certificate to commemorate the milestone donation.
“Blood Assurance is incredibly proud of Rep. Hakeem and his years-long commitment to saving lives,” said Mr. Gaskins. “We are grateful for our elected leaders who take meaningful action in order to better the lives of their constituents.
Donating blood is a prime example of that.”
Dating back to 2001, Rep. Hakeem has donated with Blood Assurance 80 times, amounting to 240 saved lives, officials said.
“I was taught to treat people the way I would like to be treated,” said Rep. Hakeem. “If I ever needed blood at any time in the future, I wanted to be in the position of having already given to others. My love of people demands that I help others, and I hope some will follow this example to donate blood and help those of us in need.”
"Those interested in following Rep. Hakeem’s example can schedule a donation appointment by visiting www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, calling 800-962-0628 or texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins are always welcome," officials 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.
Rep. Yusuf Hakeem