Blood Assurance is encouraging everyone to take part in World Blood Donor Day this Friday, June 14. This global event aims to raise awareness about the crucial need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their life-saving contributions.

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. While the need is great, only about three percent of Americans donate each year. Blood cannot be manufactured in a lab, so the only way transfusion patients can get the treatment they need is through the generosity of donors. During the summer months it’s especially critical to donate if you can. Trauma injuries requiring blood typically rise this time of year, especially around the July 4^th holiday.

“World Blood Donor Day is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contribution of blood donors and to highlight the ongoing need for blood donations,” said Garry Allison, SVP of Operations at Blood Assurance. “Every donation has the potential to save up to three lives, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to consider making a blood donation.”

All donors who give in the month of June will receive a color-changing cup and a cooling towel with the ‘United we Give’ design while supplies last.

Those who are O-negative who donate between now and June 14 will receive a $20 e-gift card. O-negative blood is often referred to as the “universal” blood type, because anyone can receive it. This makes type O-negative crucial in emergency situations when a recipient’s blood type is unknown.

You can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777, to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted.

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.

About Blood Assurance

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.