The Mountain Business Association and Blood Assurance are hosting a blood drive at the Signal Mountain Business Center Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with MBA's first Signal Spring Expo event.
"We are partnering with Blood Assurance to help them with the blood drive because there is a critical need right now," said MBA member Linda Roberts-Harris. "We thought it would be a good cause for the community to participate in."
No appointment is necessary, and the entire process takes around 30 minutes, said Craig Glass, director of donor recruitment at Blood Assurance.
"We need roughly 400 units a day to keep all of the hospitals in the area supplied," he said "Because of the weather and snow, we have not been able to collect what we usually do."
Roberts-Harris said the MBA would like to have around 35 participants, each of which can enter to win a new John Deere lawnmower from Blood Assurance. Donors will also be given a free T-shirt.
"One unit saves three lives, so if 40 people show up, it's impacting 120 people," said Glass. "These drives basically replace units that are being used every day, and you never know when you or a family member might be in need."
The Signal Spring Expo has more than 50 members signed up to inform the community about their businesses, and all will be giving away door prizes, samples and gift certificates during the event.
The event focuses on home, health and beauty, with participants ranging from Mary Kay representative Willela Douthat, Humble's Cabinets and the Mountain Medical group, which will be providing free blood pressure checks.
"People can walk around, look at the booths, look at what [participating businesses] do and then donate," said Roberts-Harris.
Admission is free for the expo, which also features children's activities, food and music by local groups.
The Signal Mountain Business Center is at 317 Ault Road. Visit the MBA website for more details.