Blood Assurance in “critical” need of donors ahead of New Year

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Blood Assurance is asking the public to make donations to end the year. They are in critical need of all blood types and platelet donations.

The most needed blood type donations are O-positive and O-negative.

Until January 2, all O-negative, O-positive and platelet donors will receive a $20 e-gift card.

“December and January are always detrimental for community blood centers due to holiday travel, frigid weather, and illnesses, such as the flu,” said J.B. Gaskins, CEO of Blood Assurance. “Blood Assurance has faced some enormous challenges in the weeks leading up to the new year, including supplying a large quantity of additional blood units to hospitals in Middle Tennessee, treating patients with injuries sustained during the deadly tornadoes.”

This upcoming January is the 54th annual National Blood Donor Month, which was enacted by President Nixson in 1970.

Gaskins added that Blood Assurance is experiencing one of the largest shortages in five decades.

“We hope our community understands the importance of donating before, during and after National Blood Donor Month, by recognizing that blood isn’t something that can be manufactured. A single blood donation can save three lives,” Gaskins explained.

To donate blood, schedule an appointment at bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628 or text BAGIVE to 999777.

You must be 17 years or older to donate, or 16 with parental consent. You must also weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.