Noogastrong blood drive held in honor of Chattanooga’s fallen five

In honor of the five U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in Chattanooga, Tenn., July 16, 2015, Blood Assurance will be hosting a blood drive beginning Monday, July 11, through Saturday, July 16, at donor centers across the region. The local area location is at 2720 Lafayette Road, in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.

The organization encourages the community to show their support for the victims and their families by making a blood donation in their honor.

In addition, Blood Assurance will have a mobile blood drive stationed at the Chattanooga Heroes Run Saturday, July 16, near the finish line of the race. Erlanger Hospital Trauma Services will be hosting the five-mile memorial run–one mile for each hero, and the run’s route will coincide with the same course emergency vehicles drove the day of the July 16 shooting. Community members attending the run are encouraged to stop by the Blood Assurance bloodmobile and help sustain the universal blood supply.

“Last year, the community came together and donated blood for those who risked their lives to protect us,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tim White. “May we continue to honor their legacy by donating blood in their honor and remembering them not only on July 16 but every day.”

On the day of the shootings last year, Blood Assurance’s donor centers across the state extended their operating hours until 6:30 p.m. with some centers staying open even later.

“We kept our doors open until the last donor was seen,” said Mindy Quinn, marketing manager of Blood Assurance. “It is always important to us that eligible donors are given the opportunity to help save local patients’ lives. We encourage those who are able to donate, to show their support for the Fallen Five by stopping by their local donor center the week of July 11.”

Every two seconds, someone is in need of blood, and each community member that donates blood between July 11- 16 will save up to three patients’ lives.

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.

Appointments are not required but are encouraged, and donors may sign up here to schedule an appointment. For more information on Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, please visit bloodassurance.org or call 423-7560966.