Emergency appeal for Type O

Blood Drives for Sevier County- March 7 & 8 MEDIC Regional Blood Center issued an emergency appeal today for type O negative blood.  “Currently there are 5 units of O negative on our shelf.  Our minimum level is 150,” states MEDIC officials.  Blood only lasts for 42 days and there must be a steady flow of donors in order to fulfill hospital orders.  MEDIC is the sole supplier of blood and blood products for 21 counties and 28 area hospitals.  Please donate at one of the following community locations or visit the donor center at 1601 Ailor Avenue: • March 7, Walmart -Sevierville, 1414 Parkway, 10:00am -6:00pm, MEDIC Mobile. • March 8, Sevier County High School, 1200 E. Dolly Parton Pkwy, 8:00am - 3:30pm, Room 225.  Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh more than 110 lbs, and have positive identification.  Donors will receive a t-shirt, free cholesterol screening (no fasting required).  For more information, please call 865-524-3074 or visit our website--medicblood.com.  By donating blood, you are covered under MEDIC’S Family Blood Coverage Program. Family coverage means that a pint of blood donated to the MEDIC Regional Blood Center will ensure your family (IRS Dependents) does not have to pay blood supply processing fees at any hospital in the U.S.