Blood Assurance and the Chattanooga Lookouts are partnering again this year for a competition against MEDIC Regional Blood Center (Knoxville) and the Tennessee Smokies.
The competition runs May 29-June 4. Blood Assurance or MEDIC will win a trophy and bragging rights depending on which blood center collects the most units during those seven days.
Blood Assurance is trying to get back in the win column. In 2022, the Chattanooga-based company lost to MEDIC by just five units of blood.
“This is a fun competition that we look forward to every year,” said J.B. Gaskins, CEO of Blood Assurance. “It’s also a competition that couldn’t come at a better time. Summer is trauma season, and historically, after Memorial Day, we see donation numbers dwindle. This is a great opportunity for our altruistic donors to step up to the plate and save lives in the Chattanooga area.”
For their participation, those who donate May 29-31 at any donation center or mobile blood drive, will receive a Memorial Day-themed t-shirt. Donors who give in June will be rewarded with a tie dye can insulator/tumbler.
Donors can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777, to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted.
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. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.