Blood Assurance in Fort Oglethorpe is in critical need of donors

Blood Assurance, which has an donor center in Fort Oglethorpe, is in critical need of blood donations. There is currently a blood shortage and a trauma this morning has further exhausted the blood supply. Blood Assurance is asking all its communities to please come out and donate blood.

“We are experiencing a critical need at this time,” said Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance. “We always see higher usage on New Year’s Eve and that combined with the trauma today and low donor turnout has led to a serious blood shortage.”

Each donation of blood contains plasma, red blood cells and platelets that can be used to save up to three lives. Patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment or organ transplants rely on donated blood, in addition to the unexpected traumas seen at hospitals on a daily basis. All blood used at hospitals is given by volunteer donors only.

“Because we are in critical need, we are asking healthy donors to please come replenish the supply,” said Jay Baumgardner, director of community relations at Blood Assurance. “If you are able to donate, we ask that you take 30 minutes out of your day to save lives in your community.”

Due to the increased need, emergency blood drives are currently being scheduled across the Blood Assurance service area. If someone wants to find a blood drive or Blood Assurance facility, they can visit bloodassurance.org or call 800-962-0628.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 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 at a donor center or blood drive near you, please visit www.bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE’ to 444999.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving 51 counties and more than 76 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the ChattanoogaHamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.