Wednesday, July 2, 2025–11:20 a.m.
-News Release-
With the Fourth of July approaching and trauma cases expected to rise, Blood Assurance is urging donors to step up now.
The week surrounding Independence Day is one of the most challenging times for maintaining a stable blood supply. Donation rates drop as people travel, but the demand for blood surges—especially following traumatic accidents, which often increase during the holiday celebrations.
“People are traveling, schools are out, and routine blood drives slow down, but emergencies don’t take a vacation,” said Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations at Blood Assurance. “We typically see more trauma cases during the summer, particularly around the Fourth. We need the community to act now to ensure blood is available when patients need it most.”
The Need Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood—for surgery, cancer treatment, chronic illness, or a traumatic injury. Blood can’t be manufactured, so it must come from volunteer donors. A single donation can save up to three lives, but only about 3% of eligible Americans actually donate.
Blood Assurance serves as the primary blood provider for both Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome. The nonprofit must collect around 540 donations every day to meet demand.
July Donor Incentives
To thank donors who step up during this critical time, Blood Assurance is offering:
A $20 e-gift card for all donors with a valid email address on file
O-negative and AB plasma donors will get a $25 e-gift card instead
An extra $50 e-gift card for O donors who join the Hero Club and either:
Donate double red cells once, or
Donate whole blood twice by August 31
(Note: To qualify with whole blood, the first donation must occur by July 6)
How to Help
All blood types are needed. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
Make your appointment today at www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins are welcome at any Blood Assurance donor center or mobile drive.
Local businesses and community groups are also encouraged to host blood drives. Blood Assurance can bring a mobile unit to you or partner with your nearest donor center.