Blood Assurance teaming-up with Nashville Zoo for blood drives

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Lions and tigers and bloodmobiles, oh my! Blood Assurance is proud to partner with the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere for two upcoming blood drives at the popular middle Tennessee attraction.

The blood drives will take place Friday and Saturday, July 9-10 at 3777 Nolensville Pike from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The bloodmobile will be parked adjacent to the zoo’s main entrance.

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. On Friday, donors will also receive a $10 Papa John’s gift card and on Saturday, an insulated tote bag.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Blood Assurance," said Jim Bartoo, the marketing and public relations director with the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. "We hope that this event at the Zoo will give guests a little more incentive to donate and help Blood Assurance with the supplies they need to help the Middle Tennessee community."

Blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at bloodassurance.org/schedule, or by calling 800-962-0628, or by texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins will be accepted.

Blood usage tends to increase during summer due to travel and water activities. Blood Assurance needs to be prepared with an adequate supply of blood on the shelf to help local hospitals meet the need of area patients. Blood cannot be manufactured. Blood Assurance counts on volunteer donors daily to save lives.

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.