Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month.
Blood Assurance is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves as the region enters one of the most dangerous times of the year for trauma-related injuries -- and one of the most difficult for maintaining a steady blood supply.
The organization is the primary blood provider for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome as well as Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center.
The Rome location for Blood Assurance is experiencing an overall drop in donations over the summer break, partially because many donations come from schools. Usually, they have between five to 15 donors a day, said Operations Manager Jennifer Hunter.
The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day -- known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer -- brings a sharp increase in traffic- and recreation-related trauma cases.
"One car accident could wipe our inventory out," Hunter said. "We can't express enough how important it is for the blood to supply the hospitals. We have such a large population in Floyd County, but we have very little donations that come in on a daily basis to help save those lives."
Donated blood helps more than just trauma victims -- it's also vital for cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those undergoing emergency surgeries.
Platelet donations are especially crucial for patients with life-threatening conditions. The Rome location gives away $50 gift cards for those who donate platelets four times a month, Hunter said.
"Right now, what we need mainly is platelet donations," she said. "The platelet donations go for our cancer patients. They're only good up to five days on shelf, so we just don't have enough of that. If we don't supply to the hospitals for the platelet needs, then we have patients that are not going to be able to receive their treatment."
To encourage donations, all donors throughout June will receive a $20 e-gift card, while O-negative and AB plasma donors will continue to receive $25.
Welcome offer - $4.99 per month for the first 6 months
Individuals must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health to be eligible for donation. Donors should hydrate well and eat a healthy meal prior to giving.
To make an appointment, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777. The Rome Blood Assurance is located at 178 Shorter Ave., No. 168, in the Midtown Crossing Shopping Center.
The Red Cross, 112 John Maddox Drive, is another blood donation center in Rome. Locals are welcome to make an appointment for donations at their website, RedCrossBlood.org.
CSL Plasma
Locals looking to give back can also visit CSL Plasma, which donates plasma instead of whole blood.
Plasma donations help treat medical emergencies, such as trauma, shock and burns. Plasma also is needed for people suffering from a variety of health concerns, such as liver disease, clotting deficiencies and immune deficiencies, said CSL Plasma Director Nate Wardle.
"Plasma-derived therapies require a massive amount of plasma donations, which requires willing donors," Wardle said. "For example, it takes 900 donations from various donors to treat one individual living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency for one year."
CSL Plasma, 15 N. Division St., is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information on donating, visit their website at CSLPlasma.com/Start-Donating.
"Medicines made from donated plasma at CSL Plasma ensures that thousands of people worldwide can live healthy lives," Wardle said.