Medic Regional Blood Center is partnering with the American Heart Association during the month of February in hopes of helping educate the public about being more heart healthy. Statistics show that the number one cause of death in Tennessee is cardiovascular disease and stroke. Medic is offering donors the chance to decline their t-shirt thank you gift and opt to have the value of that shirt donated to the American Heart Association. “The local chapter works diligently in its community outreach efforts to educate the greater Tennessee area on ways of living a more healthy lifestyle. We are proud to be able to help them advance their mission,” explains Christi Figthtmaster, Medic’s spokesperson.

The community blood bank has also issued a critical need for all blood types citing the weather and sickness for keeping donors away. Donors are always welcome at their donor centers: 1601 Ailor Avenue or 11000 Kingston Pike in Farragut. Additional community drives are planned:

-February 4, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 475 North Highway 92, 11am – 6pm, Inside Church Basement.

-February 13, Carson Newman University, 2130 Branner Ave, 9am – 6pm, Inside Student Center.

-February 14, Advance Auto Parts/Dandridge, 11am – 6pm, Bloodmobile.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age and weight 110 pounds (16 year-olds weighing 120 pounds can donate but must have parental consent) and all donors must have positive identification.