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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.

 

 

 

 

Mary Helen Miller was a producer for Around and About from 2012 to 2013. She now works at the Chattanooga Times-Free Press.