Blood Assurance is experiencing a critical shortage of O-negative blood, with only 10 units available as of Tuesday. O-negative blood is the universal blood type, making it vital in emergencies where the patient’s blood type is unknown.

In addition to O-negative, the nonprofit is urgently calling on donors of all blood types to schedule an appointment immediately. Recent months have seen a significant decline in donor turnout, but the need for blood remains constant.

As a thank-you, all donors who give blood this month will receive an exclusive “Save 3 Lives” tote bag, a small token of appreciation for their life-saving contribution.

Donate blood with Blood Assurance this month, and you’ll receive our exclusive ‘Save 3 Lives’ tote. It’s a small token of our appreciation for your life-saving gesture.

Donors can schedule an appointment at 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 blood, donors 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. 

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.