This article was originally published on Nooga.com.
As the one-year anniversary of the July 16 shootings approaches, Chattanooga’s Blood Assurance is hosting a NoogaStrong blood drive July 11–16 at donation centers across the region.
Community members are encouraged to donate blood in remembrance of the U.S. Navy officer and four U.S. Marines who died during the attack last July.
“Last year, the community came together and donated blood for those who risked their lives to protect us,” said Lt. Commander Tim White. “May we continue to honor their legacy by donating blood in their honor and remembering them not only on July 16 but every day.”
Last week, Blood Assurance issued an alert citing a critical need of Type O-positive blood, the most common of all blood types. There is typically an increase in traumatic incidents in the summer, resulting in the continuous need for blood donations, officials said.
To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids and eat an iron-rich meal prior to donating. Caffeine use should be avoided.
A list of donation centers is available here.