Donation centers are operating in Cartersville, Dalton, Fort Oglethorpe and Rome.

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — Blood donation centers in northwest Georgia are asking for people to step up after tornadoes hit Tennessee over the weekend.

The organization Blood Assurance put out a call Monday for the donations, noting that since the weekend's outbreak around Nashville they've "had to ship extra blood, platelet and plasma units to several Middle Tennessee hospitals that are treating patients who were injured."

"Due to the increased demand, and to help replenish the supply, Blood Assurance is requesting donations from all donors across its service area, including those in northwest Georgia," a release said.

The organization has donation centers operating in Cartersville, Dalton, Fort Oglethorpe and Rome. People can schedule an appointment at or over the phone at 800-962-0628.

"To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 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," the group's release said.

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