Middle Tennessee at critically low blood supply, incentives offered for donors
The supply shortage is the result of several factors, including cold and flu season and snow events in January and February that caused several appointment cancelations. People are asked not to donate blood when they are sick.
More: Flu leads to critical blood shortages in Nashville
Blood Assurance is down to a half-day supply, significantly lower than the ideal levels of between two and three days of supply.
The demand for blood is also up at local hospitals, Blood Assurance spokesperson Brooke Katz said.
'I can't stress enough how vital it is for people to step up and donate immediately,' Blood Assurance Sr. Vice President of Operations Garry Allison said. 'Every patient relying on a transfusion deserves access to the lifesaving treatment they need — but we can't do it without our donors.'
Blood Assurance is the primary blood supplier for most hospitals in Middle Tennessee and acts as a secondary supplier for many others. Donations made in the area directly impact local patients.
Because of the supply shortage, Blood Assurance is offering special incentives to bring more people to donation centers in Middle Tennessee.
All donors who give now through March 31 will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 e-gift card.
O-negative donors, the universal blood type, and AB plasma donors will receive a $25 e-gift card via email for their donation.
Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, 16 with parental consent, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids and eat a hearty meal prior to donating.
Founded in 1972, Blood Assurance is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 70 healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina.
Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Incentives offer to blood donors in Middle Tennessee amid supply shortage
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