MEDIC Regional Blood Center is running a special incentive campaign from May 25 through May 31 to boost blood donations during Memorial Day week, when supplies traditionally drop. Donors giving whole blood or ALYX will receive a $30 e-gift card, while platelet donors will get a $50 e-gift card. All participants will also receive a MEDIC gift plus coupons from Texas Roadhouse, Great Smoky Mountains cabin rentals, and Salsarita’s.

Officials emphasize that the need for blood, platelets, and plasma remains constant even during holidays, noting that blood currently on hospital shelves is what’s immediately available for trauma and other critical needs, as newly donated blood requires at least three days to process. Appointments can be scheduled online at medicblood.org, via the MEDIC app, or by calling 865-524-3074, with walk-ins welcome and the option to complete the health questionnaire in advance at medicpass.org.

As an independent nonprofit, MEDIC serves as the primary blood supplier for 24 hospitals and air medical services across 23 counties in East Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky—including Blount Memorial, Covenant Health System, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, Tennova Healthcare, and UT Medical Center—ensuring that locally donated blood products stay in the region to help local patients.