Blood Assurance is experiencing a critical blood shortage, with only a half-day supply of several blood types available. Donations have decreased while hospitals are seeing a rise in blood demand, highlighting the urgent need for donors. Garry Allison, Sr. Vice President of Operations at Blood Assurance, stressed the importance of immediate donations for patients needing transfusions. Blood Assurance serves local hospitals, and one donation can save up to three lives. To motivate donors, incentives include a chance to win a $500 e-gift card and $25 e-gift cards for O-negative and AB plasma donors. To donate, visit www. bloodassurance.org/donate, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777. Eligibility requires donors to be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health.