You’ve heard of finding the perfect match – looking for someone who’s just your type. The same can be said of the role Blood Assurance and its blood donors play in providing life-saving blood products to area patients. In order to keep an adequate supply of blood on hand for more than 50 hospitals and healthcare facilities to use, it is important for area residents to know their blood type and how it can be used to help others in need of blood transfusions.
Throughout the month of February, Blood Assurance will be hosting several “What’s Your Type” events throughout the greater Chattanooga area. The first 20 visitors at each location during the event can have their blood typed with just a finger stick and will learn their blood type within minutes.
Donors who have previously donated blood with Blood Assurance can simply show a photo ID to learn their blood type, since it is already on file with the regional blood center.
All participants will be entered to receive a gift certificate for dinner for two at an area restaurant.
The process for testing and typing a full blood donation can take several hours, after which the donors are notified of their blood type when their donor ID cards are mailed to them.
“The typing event will allow us to type donors on the spot, and if they wish to donate afterward, we certainly welcome them to do so. We want potential donors to know what their type is and who can benefit from their blood donation,” said Linda Hisey, vice-president of marketing and public relations.
Schedule of events:
Fe. 7 – Blood Assurance at Hixson from 10 a.m. to noon.
Feb. 7 – Blood Assurance at Gunbarrel from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Feb. 9 – Blood Assurance at Cleveland from 10 a.m. to noon.
Feb. 9 – Blood Assurance at Dalton from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Feb. 14 – Blood Assurance at Chattanooga (main office) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m..
Feb. 15 – Blood Assurance at Erlanger from 10 a.m. to noon.
Feb. 24 – Blood Assurance at Fort Oglethorpe from 10 a.m. to noon.