Ringgold blood drive helps replenish critically low supplies, but more donors needed

Retired U.S. Marshal Bob Church, of Ringgold, donates blood at the Dr. Steve's Place Community Blood Drive in downtown Ringgold July 15.
Retired U.S. Marshal Bob Church, of Ringgold, donates blood at the Dr. Steve's Place Community Blood Drive in downtown Ringgold July 15.

America's Blood Centers is issuing a national appeal for blood and platelet donors as supplies are critically low in the summer months. The local nonprofit blood center Blood Assurance is experiencing critically low levels and is especially in need of the following blood types: O-, O+, A-, A+.

People can donate at the Fort Oglethorpe Blood Assurance donation center on Lafayette Road.

"I give blood regularly," said retired U.S. Marshal Bob Church, of Ringgold, who donated blood in the local Dr. Steve's Place Community Blood Drive held July 15. "I give blood in Fort Oglethorpe at the Blood Assurance location. My wife has a business in Ringgold - Kudzu Interiors. I saw the bus parked here and I said OK [I can donate blood today]."

Church has what Blood Assurance calls "baby's blood," or "BOO5." It goes to help babies because the blood is more beneficial for babies than adults.

"I had [right] hip surgery in 2001 and I was given blood, but prior to the surgery they took my blood and held on to it and gave it back to me during surgery," said Church. "I played rugby and football and all the stuff that trashes you when you get older."

According to Blood Assurance Marketing Coordinator Mindy Quinn, summer is always a challenging time to ensure an adequate blood supply due to donors taking vacations and schools being out of session. But regardless of the season, the need for blood remains constant and patients continue to depend on the generosity of blood donors to meet that need, she added.

"Obviously, we greatly appreciate the efforts to plan the drive," Quinn said, referring to the Dr. Steve's Place Community Blood Drive held in Ringgold. "We are currently low on blood. There's a national shortage of blood right now. People can go to bloodassurance.org and click on the 'Ways to Give' link. Any drives coming up in the area are listed on the website."

Over 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the 75 health care facilities in Blood Assurance's 51-county service area.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors 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 protein prior to donating.

For questions about donating blood or hosting a blood drive, call the local Blood Assurance center at 706-861-5983 or visit bloodassurance.org.

Upcoming Events