News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Blood Assurance representatives say they are in critical need of blood donors.
Account Manager and Donor Recruiter Trudy Cody said that usually they are in need for type O blood, but recently they have developed a critical need for all types of blood.
“Blood Assurance needs to collect I believe 562 units a day to keep our local hospitals and the supply that they need,” Cody said. “And that’s just on a daily basis that’s not including a tragedy.”
Cody said that there are a variety of reasons people are not donating including sickness, wariness of COVID, or travel. Cody said that going into a holiday weekend with such a low blood supply is concerning.
“You never know on a daily basis who needs blood–anybody getting any type of surgeries, if you get in a car accident, any tragedy or trauma people need blood,” Cody said. “If it’s not on the shelf today when people go to the hospital, then there’s a chance it’s not going to be there for them.”
Cody said she understands that one obstacle to people donating blood is a fear of needles, but she assures donors will always be taken care of properly.
“It’s really a very easy process–we have well-trained staff, we take care of you,” Cody said. “If you are a first time donor, please let us know and our staff will take good care of you and get you through the process, help you get over the nerves.”
To donate blood, Cody said you can find a schedule for mobile donation sites or visit a local Blood Assurance site.
