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Middle Tennessee Blood Supplier Urges Donations During ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’

Issue #734

May 22, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Cloudy / partly cloudy skies w/ high of 80, low of 65

🩸 Middle Tennessee Blood Supplier Urges Donations During ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’

🍔 Whataburger Opens on James M. Campbell as Development Continues Nearby

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music - Just Updated!

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Middle Tennessee Blood Supplier Urges Donations During ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’

As Middle Tennessee enters the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” Blood Assurance is urging people to donate blood, platelets, and plasma now and throughout the summer to help prevent a seasonal donor shortage from threatening local hospital supplies.

Blood Assurance is already facing a shortage of donors, and summer can make the problem worse. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” because of the rise in deadly crashes, often involving teenagers. It also marks summer trauma season, when crashes, outdoor injuries and water-related emergencies can increase blood usage just as donations drop because of school breaks, vacations and disrupted routines.

As the primary blood supplier for most hospitals in Middle Tennessee, every donation can have a direct impact on patients close to home. Trauma victims, cancer patients, mothers experiencing complications during childbirth and people undergoing surgery may all need blood with little or no warning.

More than 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day to maintain an adequate supply for the hospitals Blood Assurance serves.

“Hospitals do not get a summer break,” said Garry Allison, executive vice president of operations for Blood Assurance. “When emergencies happen, blood must be ready before the patient arrives. Behind every unit of blood is someone’s child, parent, spouse or friend. We need people to donate now and throughout the summer so local hospitals have what they need to save lives.”

Donors who give through May 31 will receive a special Memorial Day T-shirt while supplies last.

Appointments can be made at www.bloodassurance.org, by calling 800-962-0628 or by texting BAGIVE to 999777. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and eat an iron-rich meal before donating.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 through a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, Blood Assurance’s mission is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.

Whataburger Opens on James M. Campbell as Development Continues Nearby

Photo: Duck River Aerial Photography

After months of anticipation, Whataburger officially opened its doors in Columbia this week, bringing the popular Texas-based burger chain to Maury County for the first time.

The new restaurant is located at the former Sloan Ford dealership property along James M. Campbell Boulevard, where additional development is already underway. A future Panda Express location and Liberty Federal Credit Union are also planned for the site as growth continues along the busy corridor.

Community leaders and local residents gathered for a ribbon cutting hosted by the Maury Alliance on May 19. Restaurant representatives said the company is excited to become part of the Columbia community and plans to stay involved in local events moving forward.

The restaurant will offer extended late-night hours, including 24-hour service Thursday - Saturday, along with its full breakfast menu featuring favorites like honey butter chicken biscuits and breakfast taquitos. Some eager customers reportedly arrived hours before opening day to be among the first in line.

Saturday, May 23rd

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, May 23rd

Sunday, May 24th

Monday, May 25th Memorial Day

Tuesday

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, May 22

Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch, 7–9 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
John Ewbank Band - Twisted Copper, 7–10 PM
Songwriter Series - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Pardon the Rebels - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
The Bandana Brothers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Zone Status - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, May 23

The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Golden Soul Revue - Keg Springs Winery, 2–5 PM
Ben Daniel - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Shannon & The Harpeth River Boys - Spring Hill Pickin’ in the Park, 5–8 PM
Napier City Limits - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
J.T. & Friends - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
2Country4Nashville - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Tim Turner Band - Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
Stranger Than Fiction - Embers Bar & Grill, 8 PM

Sunday, May 24

Jim Fox Trio - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Memorial Day Acoustic Fest - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 12–7 PM

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