From NewsChannel 9: Middle Tennessee continues to recover from destructive tornadoes that caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infras
From NewsChannel 9: Middle Tennessee continues to recover from destructive tornadoes that caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructures.
Non-profit Blood Assurance has been on the scene where disaster struck organizing blood drives. Multiple units of blood have been sent to several of their medical facilities in Middle Tennessee to treat storm victims.
They say there is not a heavy need for extra blood units at the Middle Tennessee hospitals that they serve; however, they may still need Chattanooga’s help.
“One thing about this community, Middle Tennessee as a whole is that it is a very, very resilient,” says Max Winitz with Blood Assurance.
While interviewing their media coordinator Tuesday, he showed us some of the destruction he saw in Hendersonville.
“This is a pizza buffet… the huge Pizza Ranch sign landed right on top of this silver SUV,” says Winitz.
Cities like Hendersonvillle are undergoing major cleanup efforts following fierce weather over the weekend.
Wintiz says that he saw busier streets and businesses open on Tuesday, but there is still a long way to go.
Blood Assurance has been working with hospitals to ensure that they are reaching their supply needs for blood.
So what role does the Chattanooga area play in this?
Winitz says that he has not heard any information about the Middle Tennessee hospitals that they serve requiring additional units of blood.
However, he does say that it is certainly possible that a storm victim may require surgery, which would result in blood being needed on hand.
In that case, Blood Assurance is encouraging Chattanoogans to continue to donate their blood so they can help their neighbors in Middle Tennessee.
Winitz says during the holiday season, blood banks historically see a decline in donors. He says the recent tornadoes are a reminder that the Chattanooga area needs to remain stocked with blood donations in the case of an emergency.
There is currently a critical need for Type-O blood.
If you are interested in donating, there are several blood assurance locations in the Chattanooga area.
For more information, go to their website.
