Chattanooga-based Blood Assurance announced Wednesday that it is in critical need of several blood types and platelets and is seeking donations because of simultaneous traumas in its service area.
The traumas have seriously depleted units of A-positive, O-positive and A-negative blood and have used all units of platelets on the shelf, according to a Blood Assurance news release. Everyone with these blood types who are able donate blood are being asked to do so.
The blood bank is asking that community members make a donation appointment at a local donor center or bloodmobile during open hours the rest of the week and throughout the holiday weekend. The blood bank cannot provide details on what traumas caused the blood supply to reach critical levels
Blood Assurance is the sole provider of blood products to hospitals in the Chattanooga area. The regional blood center serves more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, according to the news release.
"This trauma, combined with the fact that we have been in urgent need for several days, has left us seriously low on several blood types," said Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance. "We need our community's help to replenish the supply that has been used and to ensure that we are prepared for more traumas in our community."
Blood Assurance continues to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of donors and staff, according to the release. Staff wear masks and frequently disinfect all items and surfaces used by donors. Donors are accepted by appointment only and appointments are being spaced apart to ensure adequate distance.
To be eligible to donate blood, you 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 iron prior to donating. To schedule an appointment or find a donor center or mobile drive near you, please visit bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628 or text 'BAGIVE' to 999777.