The first blood drive of 2023 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 continued appreciation, Blood Assurance will gift each donor a free plaid blanket.

“We are excited to be able to continue our partnership with WMC and BJIT this year,” said the nonprofit’s media relations coordinator, Max Winitz. “In 2022, we collected enough blood donations from these drives to save over 500 lives, and we look forward to another successful year.”

Blood Assurance also offers a Hero Rewards Program for repeat donors. Participants can earn points throughout the year by donating blood and use the points to buy gifts or shop online at the Hero Rewards Donor Store.

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.