Ringgold Depot Associate Jamie Klementisz, left, and Ringgold Main Street Manager Rhonda Johnson are planning the first ever community-wide Ringgold Blood Drive at the Ringgold Welcome Center at Doc Steve’s Place.The new Ringgold Welcome Center at Doc Steve’s Place is paying tribute to its past by hosting the first-ever community-wide Ringgold Blood Drive Friday, July 15.
The event, which will help regionwide distributor Blood Assurance replenish after the busy Fourth of July holiday, is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“When I talked to Blood Assurance, they said currently the blood supply is very low in this area,” said Ringgold Main Street Manager Rhonda Johnson. “We are real excited to host the blood drive. Blood Assurance serves more than 70 health care facilities across the Southeast. We have a goal of 30 units or 30 donors for the blood drive. I’d love to challenge businesses in Ringgold to step up and help.”
Through researching Blood Assurance, Johnson said she discovered that every two seconds, someone in the United States will need blood, and a single car accident victim could require up to 100 pints of blood.
“Giving blood can save a life. I can’t imagine needing blood and it not being available,” she said.
According to Blood Assurance, each day, a minimum 540 donors are needed in this area alone.
Johnson said she prefers people call ahead and schedule a time slot to donate – she wanted to make it convenient so people could donate during their lunchbreak – but those without an appointment are welcome to donate too.
“Also, it’s a good way to be introduced to the new Ringgold Welcome Center at Doc Steve’s Office,” Johnson said of the drive. The welcome center formerly housed the late Dr. Charles Stephenson’s office. “Everyone talks about what a wonderful gentleman Dr. Steve was. Dr. Steve was instrumental in starting Tri-County Hospital.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with parent consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds.
To make an appointment, contact Rhonda Johnson at 706-935-3061 or visit donor.bloodassurance.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/90146.
Snacks and special edition American Blood Donor T-shirts will be given to all participants.
For more information about donating blood, visit bloodassurance.org.