MEDIC’s Family Blood Coverage Program—it’s the best bargain in town! One donation a year exempts donors and their IRS dependents from paying blood collection and processing fees if a transfusion is needed. “The processing fee will be paid at any U.S. hospital, not just East Tennessee hospitals. The membership acts as a free mini-insurance policy,” explains Christi Fightmaster, spokesperson for MEDIC Regional Blood Center. Each additional donation to MEDIC throughout the year adds another year’s credit towards the membership plan. For example, if a donor gives blood twice in 2007 then his/her family will be covered by the program until the year 2009. “This donor benefit can literally be a saving of thousands of dollars,” explains Fightmaster. General statistics show that one in five will need blood at some point in his/her lifetime which means you never know whose life you will save with your blood donation.

Donors are welcome to visit MEDIC headquarters at 1601 Ailor Avenue in Knoxville or stop by a community blood drive. The schedule is as follows:

· February 15, Smoky Mountain Park Service, 107 Park Headquarters Road, 9am – 5pm, Medic Mobile behind Service Headquarters.

· February 16, Ft. Sanders Sevier Medical Center, 709 Middlecreek Road, 10am – 6pm, Inside Nursing Home.

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