Wednesday, December 20, 2023–9:24 a.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

You can give the gift of life this holiday season.

Blood Assurance is looking for blood donors, especially O-positive, O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative.

According to Dr. Liz Culler, Chief Medical Officer with Blood Assurance, recent severe weather in Middle Tennessee demonstrates how the need for blood can arise at any time.

“Over the past few weeks have been hovering below a one-day supply of O-negative,” she said. “O negative is the type of blood that anyone can receive in an emergency. Just like those tornadoes hit we had to be prepared, using the donors who had donated the day before the tornadoes, not knowing they would come, we just always have to be prepared. We would love to put out a call for anyone who is O-negative to come out and donate today or anyone who can donate platelets.”

Dr. Culler said there are other reasons why the demand for blood goes up during the holidays.

“People tend to try to fit in that last surgery before the end of the year, so we do see an increase,” she added. “People are out of school and off of work. So, they are on vacation and oftentimes are not donating blood. On top of that, they are driving around and getting into accidents. So, we see a spike in demand in the summer months and around the holiday season.”

Between now and December 26, O-negative whole blood and platelet donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, and O-negative double red cell donors will receive a $35 e-gift card. All gift cards will be emailed on December 27th. Please schedule your appointment today at www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, or by calling 1-800-962-0628, or by texting BAGIVE to 999777.