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.”