Hey, Nooga. Intern Brianna here. The first time I donated blood a year ago, I was terrified. I’m not a fan of being around blood. But, it turns out that donating isn’t scary at all (and it’s nice knowing that you helped somebody else).

There is a need for blood donations nationwide as COVID-19 forces the cancellation of blood drives and social distancing slows the process.

Locally, Blood Assurance Chattanooga leaders recently said that they were in “critical need” of donors due to a low donor turnout + a recent trauma in the service area. The local organization is also seeking plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. Read more about that here.

Here’s what you need to know about donating blood now. 👇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoLCoiSwkg&feature=emb_logo

Is it safe to donate blood during a pandemic?

Yes, but don’t go if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. According to the FDA, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 due to blood donation or transfusion. Don’t forget to wear your mask.

Where can I donate?

Blood Assurance
Blood Assurance has two donor centers in Chattanooga that are often open for donations

○ Chattanooga Main Office | 705 East 4th Street

○ Gunbarrel Road Location | 1748 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 104

It also has mobile drives happening throughout the month in locations across Chattanooga, which you can find here.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross’s Chattanooga location:

○ Southeast Tennessee American Red Cross Blood Drive | 4115 S. Access Road

Am I eligible?

You must be at least 17 years old + weigh more than 110 pounds to donate. If you are 16 (and over 110 pounds) you can donate with one-time parental consent.

You also must be in good health to donate blood. Click here for a list of medical conditions + medications that can prevent you from donating.

What happens during the donation process?

After making an appointment via the donation site’s website (or by phone at 1-800-962-0628), you can show up to the center where you made an appointment at your appointment time.

When you get there, you’ll be signed in and asked to show a valid I.D. (a driver’s license works). After reading information about donating blood, answering questions about your health history, and checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure + hemoglobin levels, you will be ready to start.

The donation itself takes roughly 8-10 minutes, and you’ll be given snacks and drinks afterward. 🙌

ProTip: Blood Assurance is also testing for COVID-19 antibodies. Tell someone at the time of your appointment if you’d like to do this.