Blood Assurance in critical need of donors; vaccinated donors eligible

Blood Assurance is urging all eligible donors to make an appointment to donate blood as soon as possible to help area patients and hospitals.

There is a very critical need for all blood types at this time. Blood Assurance has less than a half day’s supply of O-positive and O-negative blood and less than a one day supply of B-negative blood. A-positive and A-negative are in need at this time as well with only two day’s supply available. Ideally Blood Assurance has five days’ supply on the shelf at all times to be prepared for the needs of area hospitals.

“We cannot stress enough the severity of the blood supply right now,” said Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance. “Without volunteer donors, blood cannot be supplied to help patients in need. It takes over 400 donors every day to meet the demands of patients in our service area. We really need the help of the community at this time.”

All donors will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card at the time of their donation, Thursday May 6th during extended hours at the Georgia area centers from noon to 8 p.m. only. Blood Assurance will also offer free

Chick-Fil-A to all donors from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The need for blood never stops and Blood Assurance needs the help of all community members right now. All type O donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card during regular business hours at all centers and mobiles starting Wednesday, May 5th for a limited time. Please visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule to book an appointment near you.

Blood Assurance is continuing to take extra precautions at this time to ensure the safety of donors and staff. Staff and donors are required to wear masks and staff are frequently disinfecting all items and surfaces used by donors. Blood donated by individuals who have received the vaccine is completely safe for patient transfusion.

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.

To schedule an appointment or find a donor center or mobile drive near you, please visit bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962- 0628 or text ‘BAGIVE’ to 999777.