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.
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.
The American Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donors to make appointments now as hospitals work to maintain a reliable blood supply during the busy summer season.
Residents will have an opportunity to help save lives and support local patients during an upcoming blood drive hosted by the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency.
A community blood drive will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion.
The blood drive will take place from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 91 4th Street in Trion. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Blood Assurance reminds donors to eat a good meal, drink extra water, and avoid energy drinks before giving blood. Donors can also save time by using Blood Assurance QuickScreen on the day of their appointment to answer health history questions before arriving.
Anyone with questions about donating or needing assistance in Spanish may call Mitzi at 706-618-9108.
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive.
The blood drive will take place Friday, May 15, from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County EMA building located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The event is being held in partnership with Blood Assurance under the theme “Give Local, Save Local.”
Organizers encourage donors to eat a good meal before donating, avoid energy drinks, drink extra water, and bring a photo ID to the event.
Blood Assurance is also offering an incentive during the campaign period. Donors participating between May 1st and May 15th will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community.
Community members can scan the QR code on the event flyer to register or learn more about donation opportunities.
A community blood drive is set for Friday, May 15 at Atrium Health Floyd–Chattooga ER, located at 13583 Highway 27 in Trion.
The drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives.
Those who donate between May 1st and May 15th will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card as part of the Blood Assurance “Local Hero” promotion.
Appointments can be scheduled online at bloodassurance.org/chattoogaer.
The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared to care for patients in need.
Officials say the combination of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and spring travel can disrupt regular donation routines, leading to a drop in available blood products. Even small changes in schedules can have a significant impact on the blood supply.
Donors of all blood types, including those giving for the first time, are urged to make an appointment in the coming days or weeks.
To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who give. Individuals who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who donate from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during a community blood drive set for Friday, April 10. The drive will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the EMA office located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to give back and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive on Friday, April 10.
The event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA office located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville. Organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives, making community participation especially important.
Those who donate between April 1 and April 15 will also be entered into the Blood Assurance “BA Local Hero” promotion, with a chance to win one of several $100 gift cards being awarded across participating communities.
Appointments can be scheduled online through Blood Assurance, and walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Officials encourage residents to consider donating and supporting the ongoing need for blood supplies across the region.
