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Blood Assurance is facing a critical shortage of blood, plasma and platelets just as the holiday season is about to be underway. As the primary supplier for most of the hospitals in Middle Tennessee, and the secondary supplier for the remainder, it is essential to get donations over the next several weeks so that doctors can continue to save lives.

The holidays often see a surge in demand for blood products due to increased trauma cases and medical emergencies. At the same time, donations are down as regular donors are busy with holiday activities. Compounding the issue, rising cold and flu cases lead to last-minute cancellations, further straining an already thin blood supply. 

The Most Critical Needs

•        O-negative blood donors: Known as the universal blood type, O-negative is vital in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

•        AB plasma donors: AB plasma, or “universal plasma,” is indispensable for trauma patients, burn victims, and those requiring massive transfusions. Fewer than 4% of people have this rare blood type, making every donation extraordinarily valuable.

Unlike whole blood, plasma carries essential proteins and clotting factors that play a critical role during emergencies. Meeting the demand for AB plasma is an ongoing challenge, especially in times of shortage. 

How residents can help

To help boost donations, Blood Assurance is offering the follow e-gift card incentives:

•        O-negative whole blood donors will receive a $25 e-gift card

•        O-negative double red donors will receive a $40 e-gift card

•        AB-plasma donors will receive a $25 e-gift card per donation

All donors between now and Nov. 30 will receive a special “Fall Means Football” campfire mug while supplies last.

All blood types are needed, and Blood Assurance encourages everyone who is eligible to donate. To schedule your donation, visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.

Tullahoma residents can schedule an appointment at the Blood Assurance at 604 N. Jackson St. near Walgreens by calling 931- 461-5773. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

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.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.