January is National Blood Donor Month, and Blood Assurance is reminding the community that this time of year is also one of the most difficult for maintaining a healthy blood supply.

Blood donations typically drop during the winter months because of holiday travel, seasonal illness, and weather, while hospital demand stays steady and often increases. According to America’s Blood Centers, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, but only about three percent of eligible donors give each year. Just a one percent increase in donors would prevent shortages.

Right now, Blood Assurance needs all blood types, with a critical need for O-negative blood, AB plasma, and platelet donations. These blood products are essential for cancer patients, trauma victims, and people undergoing major surgeries.

Blood Assurance is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for most of the hospitals in Middle Tennessee, so donations make a substantial impact on local patients.

“National Blood Donor Month recognizes donors, but it’s also a reminder of how fragile the blood supply can be,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations for Blood Assurance. “Blood can’t be manufactured and it has a short shelf life. Local donations directly impact patients in our hospitals.”

To encourage donations during National Blood Donor Month, Blood Assurance is offering January incentives:

•     All donors receive a free blanket (cream or burgundy, while supplies last)

•     O-negative blood and AB plasma donors receive a $25 e-gift card

Donors can schedule an appointment at bloodassurance.org, 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.