Non-profit regional blood center Blood Assurance is calling on community members to make a blood donation at a local donor center or bloodmobile as soon as possible to help replenish the blood supply needed by hospitals throughout the region. Presently, the organization only has a one day supply of blood types O negative, O positive and A negative due to multiple trauma situations, and is asking the community to take 30 minutes out of their day to help guarantee blood is readily available to hospital patients.
Each donation of blood contains plasma, red blood cells and platelets that can be used to save lives of any age, including premature babies, oncology patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and many more. Blood Assurance thanks all donors who choose to give to those in need.
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 protein prior to donating.
Currently, all blood donors will receive a limited-edition college football t-shirt as part of the organization’s annual “I Bleed” campaign. In addition, all donors will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the Battle at Bristol game.
For questions about donating blood, please call 800-962-0628.