CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Blood Assurance is facing a critically low inventory of all blood types due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They are asking that everyone who is eligible to donate will do so by Friday, Oct. 9.
Blood Assurance is the sole provider of blood in the Clarksville area.
“The need for blood never stops, and it takes several hundred donors every day to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply for our area hospitals,” said Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance, in a news release.
Blood Assurance has partnered with Governor’s Square Mall at 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. to collect donations this Friday between noon and 5 p.m. They will be located near the food court.
“Blood donors are essential to our hospital infrastructure just like masks, gloves and medical equipment. Without blood on the shelf, patients cannot be cared for,” Culler said in the news release.
Due to the pandemic, Blood Assurance is taking blood donations by appointment. To schedule an appointment go to bloodassurance.org/Governors or go to bloodassurance.org/schedule to find another blood drive near you.
They are doing everything they can to make the process of blood donation safe and easy. They ask that all of their donors wear a mask.
To be eligible to donate blood, you 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.