Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department and Walker County Sheriff’s Department will host “Battle of the Badges” blood drives for Blood Assurance next month. Catoosa County’s blood drive will be on Monday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5842 Highway 41 in Ringgold. Walker County’s blood drive is Monday, February 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 105 South Duke Street in Lafayette. Plus, donors can visit the Blood Assurance donor center located at 2720 Lafayette Road between February 9 and February 16to donate and cast a vote for their favorite county. Special “Battle of the Badges” t shirts will be available at both blood drives and at the Fort Oglethorpe donor center.
Blood Assurance is a non-profit regional blood center responsible for supplying blood and blood components to seventy four healthcare facilities in fifty-one counties, including Hutcheson Medical Center. Over 440 blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the hospitals served by Blood Assurance.
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. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. Your one donation can save three lives.
If you would like to schedule a blood drive in this area, contact donor recruiter Karla Ramirez at 423-260-0310. For more information about Blood Assurance, please call 1-800-962-0628.