This article was originally published on chattanoogan.com.
Three Chattanooga companies, Astec Industries, Inc., Roadtec, Inc. and Heatec, Inc. participated in an inaugural “Battle of the Tecs” blood drive. Each company scheduled on-site blood drives in May with nonprofit regional blood center Blood Assurance. With 35.12 percent of employees donating during May, Heatec, Inc. was named the winner of the blood drive competition.
“During May, Astec, Roadtec and Heatec wanted to unite to make a difference,” said Ben Brock, Astec Industries president and CEO. “This friendly competition allowed our employees to give back to our community and be a part of helping those who desperately need blood donations.”
Of Roadtec, Inc. employees, 31.17 percent donated blood, and 16.5 percent of Astec, Inc. employees donated blood.
“All three of these companies do amazing work in our community, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with them,” said Jay Baumgardner, executive director of marketing and community relations at Blood Assurance. “Because of their willingness to serve our community through donating blood, 318 total units of blood were collected, which can save more than 900 lives.”
To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 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.
For more information about Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, please visit www.bloodassurance.org or call 1-800-962-0628.