Blood Assurance Honors Dolly Parton With Special ‘9 To 5’ Donor Shirt

Blood Assurance is combining country music and a lifesaving cause this week with a special tribute to Dolly Parton.

On Friday, September 25, anyone donating blood at a Blood Assurance donation center or participating mobile blood drive will receive an exclusive, one-day-only Dolly-inspired “9 to 5” T-shirt, while supplies last.

The shirt features a quote from Parton encouraging people to make a difference in the world around them. Blood Assurance says the promotion is intended to turn that spirit of goodwill into action by encouraging more people to donate blood.

Blood Assurance is particularly important to Northwest Georgia. The nonprofit is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, along with Cartersville Medical Center. The organization says it now needs more than 600 donors every day to supply its partner hospitals.

All blood types are needed. Appointments are encouraged but aren’t required. Donors can schedule an appointment through Blood Assurance or by calling 800-962-0628.

Chattooga County EMA To Host Blood Drive In October

The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Blood Assurance for a community blood drive next month in Summerville.

The blood drive will be held Friday, October 9, from 12:30 until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County EMA office, 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Blood Assurance encourages residents who are able to donate to participate, emphasizing its message of “Give Local, Save Local.” Blood collected through the organization helps provide a local supply for hospitals and patients throughout the region.

Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a good meal beforehand, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks and bring identification.

As an added incentive, donors who give blood during the month of October will receive a “Blood Donors Are Game Changers” T-shirt, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made using the QR code included on the blood drive flyer.

The Chattooga County EMA blood drive is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 12:30-3:30 PM at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Red Cross Blood Drive Coming To Berry College Thursday

The American Red Cross is asking Northwest Georgia residents to help maintain the nation’s blood supply by donating blood this week at Berry College.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held Thursday, September 17, from 2 until 7 PM at the Krannert Center, located at 2277 Martha Berry Boulevard in Mount Berry.

The Red Cross says the nation’s blood supply remains vulnerable following critically low levels during a summer blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have blood products available for patients.

Berry College has a long history of supporting blood donations. The college’s Blood Donor Program was started by students in 1974, and Berry says Red Cross and Blood Assurance visits typically collect more than 450 units of blood annually. The Berry College Red Cross Club assists with blood drives on campus.

There’s also an incentive for Thursday’s donors. Those who give blood through September 20 can receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or through the Red Cross website.

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AdventHealth Redmond to Host Community Blood Drive Thursday

AdventHealth Redmond will host a community blood drive on Thursday, July 23, giving area residents an opportunity to help patients in need.

The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at AdventHealth Redmond in Rome.

Hospital representatives say donated blood can provide hope and support for patients and families facing medical emergencies, surgeries and other serious health needs. Every eligible donor has the potential to make a meaningful difference for someone receiving care.

Walk-ins will be welcome throughout the event, although donors may also reserve an appointment in advance through Blood Assurance’s online scheduling system.

Those planning to donate should bring a valid photo identification and are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before arriving.

AdventHealth Redmond is encouraging community members who are able to donate to take part in the drive and help maintain the regional blood supply.

Appointments may be scheduled through the Blood Assurance website.

American Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage, Urges Donors to Give Now

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The American Red Cross is asking donors to roll up their sleeves after declaring an emergency blood shortage caused by a sharp decline in donations during June. The organization says its blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent, creating a growing gap between available blood and hospital demand. The shortage is especially critical for platelets, O-positive blood, and B-negative blood.

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Blood Assurance Offering $40 Gift Cards To Encourage Holiday Blood Donations

Blood Assurance is urging area residents to donate blood as local hospitals continue using blood faster than donations are coming in ahead of the Independence Day holiday.

From today through July 7, all eligible blood donors will receive a $40 e-gift card that can be redeemed at a variety of participating retailers, including grocery stores and gas stations.

The nonprofit says donations often decline during holiday weeks because of travel and vacation schedules, while hospitals must remain prepared for emergencies and trauma patients. Blood Assurance reports it has recently had less than a one-day supply of blood, platelets, and plasma, well below the recommended two- to three-day inventory needed to meet patient demand.

Blood Assurance is the primary blood supplier for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond, meaning local donations directly benefit patients in Northwest Georgia.

Type O donors have an opportunity to earn even more. Those enrolled in Blood Assurance’s Hero Club can receive a $50 gift card for a double red cell donation. Combined with the current promotion, eligible donors could receive up to $90 for a single donation.

Appointments can be scheduled at bloodassurance.org, by calling 800-962-0628, or by texting BAGIVE to 999777.