Over the last 48 hours, Blood Assurance has had to ship extra blood, platelets, and plasma units to several Middle Tennessee hospitals that are treating patients injured during Saturday’s severe weather.
Over 1,000 homes and businesses were hit by the massive tornado in Clarksville, TN alone.
Blood Assurance remains in constant communication with hospital officials around the region.
Due to the increased demand and to help replenish the supply, Blood Assurance requests donations from all donors across its service area, including those in the Tennessee Valley and Northwest Georgia.
All donation centers are operating at their regularly scheduled hours. Donors can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted.
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 rich in iron before donating.