The September 27 drive will be conducted in the Blood Assurance mobile unit in the parking lot of BJIT on the main campus of WMC, located at 3000 Edward Curd Lane in Franklin. To show their gratitude, Blood Assurance will gift each donor a free 9/11 Memorial t-shirt (while supplies last).   

This September is an important time to donate for many reasons. Although Labor Day is considered a time of relaxation for most, hospitals across middle Tennessee experienced significant increases in trauma patients. The results left many medical providers with blood shortages with Blood Assurance reporting only one-day’s supply left in multiple blood types.

“Blood donations save lives. Hospitals and medical professionals cannot provide lifesaving procedures without them,” said the nonprofit’s media relations coordinator, Max Winitz. “Labor Day weekend took a toll on our hospitals, and they need donors more than ever.”

These blood drives are part of a partnership between WMC, BJIT and Blood Assurance to host 13 blood drives throughout 2022. To date, more than 126 individuals have donated blood in these drives, which, according to Blood Assurance, accounts for nearly 400 lives saved.

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.