Give blood and save lives

Medic Regional Blood Center currently needs A Positive, A Negative and O Negative blood types. Medic is the sole supplier of blood and blood products, such as platelets for 21 counties and 28 area hospitals. “In order to fulfill the orders of our hospitals, Medic must collect 350 pints of blood each day,” states Christi Fightmaster, Medic Public Relations. A single donation to Medic can help save up to three lives and it’s very easy to do. The donor center, 1601 Ailor Avenue, is open seven days a week for donor convenience and there are several community blood drives daily. Blood drives in your area are as follows: • May 1, Sevierville Lion’s Club at First Baptist Church, 317 Parkway, 10:00am – 6:00pm, Medic Mobile. A donation to Medic exempts donors and their IRS dependents for one year from paying blood collection and processing fees at any U.S. hospital if a transfusion is needed. Each donation after that adds another year worth of credit to your Family Blood Coverage membership. Family Blood Coverage is much like a mini-insurance policy that protects your family. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh more than 110 pounds and have positive identification. Donors will receive a free t-shirt and cholesterol evaluation (no fasting required).