Latest news with #BloodAssurance
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Middle Tennessee at critically low blood supply, incentives offered for donors
Blood Assurance, the primary provider to Middle Tennessee hospitals, is facing a critical supply shortage and is offering incentives to spur donations. 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@ and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Incentives offer to blood donors in Middle Tennessee amid supply shortage
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Flu leads to critical blood shortages in Nashville
As many Nashvillians continue to suffer through the worst flu season in years, area blood banks are suffering critical shortages. Flu outbreaks have led to canceled blood drives throughout the city, resulting in a less than one-day supply of O-positive and B-negative blood as well as platelets. And the flu season is expected to continue through the end of the month, and possible stretch into early March. "We're facing a serious challenge," Garry Allison, senior vice president of operations at Blood Assurance, said in a written appeal for help Thursday. "We need healthy individuals to step up and donate as soon as possible.' Blood Assurance is the primary supplier for most of the hospitals in Middle Tennessee and local patients rely on donations for life-saving treatments, trauma care, surgeries and cancer therapies. Blood Assurance is asking anyone who is healthy to donate, offering these incentives: On Friday, donors will receive a pair of gloves with a matching set for their Valentine. From Feb. 15-28, donors can enter to win a $500 e-gift card. O-negative and AB-plasma donors receive a $25 e-gift card. O-negative and O-positive donors as well as platelet donors can join clubs that reward ongoing contributions. To schedule a donation, call 800-962-0628 or visit Beth Warren covers health care and can be reached at bwarren@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Critical blood shortages in Nashville blamed on flu
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Williamson Health to host a blood drive for Heart Health Month
In support of Heart Health Month, Williamson Health and the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee are hosting a drive to increase their supply of blood platelets and plasma. In 1964, then-President Lyndon B. Johnson designated February as American Heart Month in order to bring more awareness to heart disease, one of the leading causes of deaths in the U.S. 'We are still experiencing winter shortages and are in critical need for donations,' said Brooke Katz, spokesperson for Blood Assurance. 'Please consider spreading the love this National Heart Month by donating blood to save lives.' On Feb. 18 from 11a.m.-5 p.m., at 3000 Edward Curd Lane, participants can help increase the life-saving supply that helps those who are suffering from illnesses that often require blood transfusions. Blood donors who give between Feb. 15-28 will be automatically entered to win a $500 e-gift card for spring break. One winner will be randomly selected and contacted March 5. Additionally, O-negative whole blood and AB plasma donors will receive a $25 e-gift card. Winners can choose from over 90 retailers, and e-gift cards will be sent to the email address listed on the donor's profile. Walk-ins are welcome but donors are encouraged to sign up a head of time. Those interested in donating 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 that is rich in iron prior to donating. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Williamson Health hosting Heart Health Month blood drive
