Chattanooga Zoo partners with Blood Assurance

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – In an effort to replenish the universal blood supply needed by local hospitals, non-profit regional blood center, Blood Assurance, is partnering with the Chattanooga Zoo to give away free zoo tickets to everyone who donates blood on Monday, July 28 or Tuesday, July 29.

Participating donor centers include: Downtown Chattanooga, 705 East 4th Street; East Brainerd, 1740 Gunbarrel Rd (Behind FSG Bank); Cleveland, Tennessee, 2855 Keith Street NW (Across from Tractor Supply Company); Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, 2720 Lafayette Rd. (Yellow Building next to Sear’s Shoes); North River (Hixson, Tennessee), 1920 Northpoint Blvd., Suite A (Behind Lowe’s) and Dalton, Georgia, 785 Shugart Rd. Visitors to any of the organization’s Chattanooga area bloodmobiles on Monday and Tuesday will also receive a free zoo ticket.

“Our hospitals are daily in need of blood-whether it’s for cancer patients, heart surgeries or victims of car accidents, the need for blood is constant. We encourage everyone who is eligible to visit a local center or bloodmobile on Monday or Tuesday and receive a free ticket to the Chattanooga Zoo,” said Charlie Callari, vice president of marketing and donor recruitment for Blood Assurance, Inc. “We appreciate all community members who donate every day and help save lives across our region.”

Blood Assurance believes in giving back to the communities in which its serves. Blood donations stay local, but when local supplies are insufficient to meet needs, Blood Assurance has its own network of 15 regional donation centers and 13 mobile centers available to help.

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. Find the full list of donor center locations, hours and how to schedule an appointment here. For additional information you may call 800-962-0628 or follow @BloodAssurance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.