Blood Assurance reminder to donate

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – With the July 4 holiday weekend approaching, Blood Assurance is reminding the community to donate blood before their holiday travels. With unexpected traumas and unpredictable accidents, it is important to have a strong universal blood supply that can be readily available to patients experiencing critical needs for blood.

A trauma can demand 20 pints of blood or more. If several traumas occur, this can significantly reduce the universal blood supply. Please make every effort to donate blood throughout the coming week and help supply the strong blood demand.

At Blood Assurance, one donation can save up to three lives. you can visit any Blood Assurance’s 15 centers to donate. For operating hours of your nearest blood center, visit bloodassurance.org or call (423) 756-0966. To be eligible to donate blood, 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, avoiding caffeine, and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.