Non-profit regional blood center, Blood Assurance, is encouraging the community to make a blood donation during the organization’s Summer Kickoff week, happening Monday through Friday, June 5, at all area donor centers and bloodmobiles. Blood Assurance aims to have a strong start to the summer by encouraging 3,000 blood donors to help meet the rising demands from area hospitals. As a thank you for donating, all donors will receive a complimentary Mayfield Dairy ice cream voucher. In addition, Blood Assurance will have daily drawings for donors to win Riverbend Festival wristbands, as well as Coke Hospitality party passes for the Martina McBride night of Riverbend.
Blood Assurance has designated a theme to each day of Summer Kickoff week, including the following: Hawaiian ShirtMonday, where donors may wear themed attire; Cool Shades Tuesday, where donors receive free sunglasses; Summer HatWednesday, where donors may wear their favorite beach hat; Thirsty Thursday, with free lemonade; and Life’s A Beach Friday, where the first 12 donors receive free beach balls.
“With many adults and families traveling for summer vacations, Blood Assurance is in need of donations now more than ever to help save local patients’ lives throughout the region,” said Charlie Callari, vice president of marketing and donor recruitment for Blood Assurance, Inc. “During Summer Kickoff week, we hope that community members will take just 30 minutes out of their day to make a lasting impact on someone’s life. Just one blood donation can save up to three lives across the region.”
According to America’s Blood Centers, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Over 540 volunteer Blood Assurance donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the demand of the more than 75 health care facilities serviced by the 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.
While donor appointments are not required, they are encouraged and may be completed at www.bloodassurance.org/appt. For more information on Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, visit www.bloodassurance.org or call 1-800-962-0628.