This article was originally published on chattanoogan.com.

Non-profit regional blood center Blood Assurance announces UNUM as its May #BAChampion community partner during National Military Appreciation Month. Blood Assurance and UNUM together will be bringing awareness to the community of the constant need for blood donations. Throughout May, all donors will have the opportunity to donate at blood drives and donor centers in honor of current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, especially those who have died in the pursuit of freedom. A #BAChampion is a community partner who has committed to raising awareness within their community through various special events dedicated to education and blood collection.All May donors will receive a complimentary Blood Assurance t-shirt as a thank-you for donating. 

In support of Blood Assurance and UNUM’s partnership during National Military Appreciation Month, Lt. Cmdr. Timothy White of the Navy Operational Support Center in Chattanooga encourages the community to give during the month of May through this testimonial video

“Unum and its Veteran Networking Group are proud to partner with Blood Assurance and host a blood drive during May,” said John Amnah, director, operational effectiveness at UNUM. “While in the military, all of us were honored to have the ability to serve others.  This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back and encourage other Chattanoogans to do the same.”  

Through the #BAChampion initiative, Blood Assurance and local businesses and organizations work together to further educate the community on the importance of blood donations. With 16 donor centers across Tennessee and Georgia, Blood Assurance seeks community partners for each month of the year who are dedicated to raising awareness within their communities about the constant need for blood donations. 

“UNUM has exceptional support of military veterans and we are proud to be partnering with them during National Military Appreciation Month,” said Jay Baumgardner, executive director of marketing and communications at Blood Assurance. “Through their support, our message that the need for blood is constant becomes stronger. We hope the community will come out to support Military Month by donating in honor of current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and signing their name under the military branch in which they served.”

To learn more about becoming a #BAChampion, contact the Blood Assurance Marketing Department at 423-752-5926 or visit bloodassurance.org/bachampion-2017. For the latest Blood Assurance news and updates, follow @BloodAssurance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (17 and 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. To schedule an appointment at a donor center or blood drive near you, visit www.bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE ‘ to 444999.