Emergency Need For Blood Continues

medic-logo-10032011Summer months are difficult for blood centers across the U.S. and it is no exception for our local provide,  Medic Regional Blood Center.   “We are currently on emergency appeal for all blood types, especially the negative types,” says Christi Fightmaster, Medic’s spokesperson.   This is a time when being negative can be a good thing.  Negative blood types are more rare than positive types and often Medic finds themselves in a critical shortage of these types.    O Negative is the type most often used during an emergency situation when blood types is not known since it is the universal blood type.  “Collections have been really low the last month so we really are trying to encourage all eligible donors to roll up their sleeve soon,” explains Fightmaster.

Donors can always visit one of two blood centers:  1601 Ailor Avenue or 11000 Kingston Pike in Farragut.   Community drives are also planned for added convenience.

  • August 16, Big Lots—Seviervile, 11am- 6pm, Bloodmobile.
  • August 17, White Star Market, 7201 Boyds Creek Road, 9am- 4pm, Bloodmobile.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds or more (16 year-olds weighing 120 pounds or more can donate but must have parental consent) and all donors must have positive identification.    As an added bonus to saving lives, donors will be rewarded with a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A sandwich.