BLOOD ASSURANCE RETURNING TO NASHVILLE ZOO AT GRASSMERE THIS WEEK
Contact: Max Winitz
maxwinitz@bloodassurance.org
(615) 772-6681
BLOOD ASSURANCE RETURNING TO NASHVILLE ZOO AT GRASSMERE THIS WEEK
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 4, 2021) – After successful blood drives at the Nashville Zoo last month, Blood Assurance is bringing one of its bloodmobiles back to the popular Davidson County attraction later this week.
Blood drives will take place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 6-7 at 3777 Nolensville Pike from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The bloodmobile will be parked adjacent to the zoo’s main entrance.
Last month, more than 70 visitors donated lifesaving blood during the two-day event at the Zoo.
“The donation events we’ve had with Blood Assurance have been very successful this year and we anticipate the one coming up will be the same,” according to Jim Bartoo, the marketing and public relations director with the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. “If you’re thinking about a Zoo visit in the near future, this is a great opportunity to donate much needed blood to our community.”
Each day of the blood drive, donors will receive a complimentary admission ticket to the Zoo, which is home to nearly 3,000 animals representing more than 350 species. Donors will also receive an insulated tote bag and be entered into a drawing to win a Polaris Side-by-Side (SxS).
“As summer draws to a close, it is so important for Blood Assurance to collect as much blood as we can,” said Dr. Ted Kieffer, the regional medical director for Blood Assurance in Middle Tennessee. “Blood supply is still at a national low, the lowest I’ve ever seen professionally. We ask that you take advantage of the opportunity to give and get access to a fantastic family attraction.”
Blood donors wishing to give on Friday are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at bloodassurance.org/zoo0806. For those wishing to donate Saturday, donors can visit bloodassurance.org/zoo0807. Donors can also schedule an appointment by calling 800-962-0628, or texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins will be accepted.
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.
About Blood Assurance
Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.
About the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Nashville Zoo is a nonprofit organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is actively engaged in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives around the globe as well as in our own backyard. The Zoo is a top Nashville attraction and is consistently voted one of the best places to visit by TripAdvisor, Yelp, and a host of local and national review sites. Nashville Zoo is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike. For more information about Nashville Zoo, visit nashvillezoo.org.