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Blood Assurance Turns 40, But Transfusions Have Longer, Stranger Past

The National Library of Medicine

http://archive.org/download/BloodAssuranceTurns40/blood40.mp3

Blood Assurance opened in the early 1970s by providing blood for four hospitals in Chattanooga. Now it serves more than 50 healthcare facilities.

The first-ever blood donation involved a pope, three gold coins, and an unusual method for transfusion. Let's just say blood transfusions have come a long way, too.

In honor of Blood Assurance's 40th birthday, we look back at the history of blood donation in Chattanooga, and the long, storied past of blood donation itself.