Hamilton County EMS is partnering with Blood Assurance and local public safety agencies to host the Scenic City Saves Lives Community Blood Drive this Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Miller Park, 928 Market St. in downtown Chattanooga.

"The event is designed to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations while supporting HCEMS’s recently launched prehospital whole blood program, which allows specially trained crews to administer whole blood to patients suffering from severe trauma and life-threatening hemorrhage before they arrive at the hospital," organizers said.

"The blood drive comes as emergency responders prepare for the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, often referred to as the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer,' when traffic crashes, outdoor injuries and trauma incidents traditionally increase."

“Every unit of blood donated has the potential to save lives right here in our community,” said HCEMS officials. “As we enter the busiest trauma season of the year, maintaining a strong local blood supply is more important than ever. Blood donated today could be the blood that saves a neighbor, friend, or family member tomorrow.”

"Just weeks after announcing the implementation of the whole blood program, HCEMS crews administered their first unit of whole blood in the field to a critically injured trauma patient, demonstrating the immediate impact this lifesaving capability can have on patient outcomes," organizers said.

The event will feature representatives and equipment from local public safety agencies and provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about emergency preparedness, trauma care and the lifesaving role blood donors play in supporting emergency medical services.

HCEMS and Blood Assurance invite all residents of Chattanooga and Hamilton County to participate by donating blood and helping ensure a stable supply is available for patients in need.

HCEMS also extends an invitation to all fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, 911 communications, rescue squads and public safety organizations throughout Hamilton County to join the effort by:

– Donating blood;
– Encouraging personnel to participate;
– Sharing information about the drive within their agencies;
– Bringing emergency vehicles for public display (as staffing and operational needs allow); and
– Helping promote the importance of blood donation and trauma preparedness.

"Together, we can demonstrate the strength of our public safety community while helping ensure lifesaving blood products remain available when they are needed most," organizers said.

For more information or to schedule a donation appointment, visit www.bloodassurance.org/scenic or scan the QR code on the event flyer.