Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Local law enforcement, fire and emergency services agencies in Sevier County, with the help of residents, will compete in a blood drive to save lives through blood donations. There is an especially critical need for type O+ blood.
The City of Sevierville Police Department, in partnership with MEDIC Regional Blood Center and our area first responder agencies, has organized a blood drive scheduled for 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the Sevierville Civic Center located at 200 Gary Wade Blvd.
The Battle of the Badges blood drive is a friendly competition amongst area first responder agencies in an effort to save lives through blood donations. Residents will be able designate an agency when donating blood and the agency with the most donations during the event will be the winner! All donors will also receive a free MEDIC gift and a free Texas Roadhouse appetizer.
The following first responder agencies are participating in the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive:
- Sevierville Police Department
- Sevierville Fire Department
- Sevier County Sheriff’s Office
- Pigeon Forge Police Department
- Pigeon Forge Fire Department
- Gatlinburg Police Department
- Gatlinburg Fire Department
- Sevier County Emergency Management Agency
- Sevier County E911
- Sevier County Ambulance Service
MEDIC Regional Blood Center is an independent blood center and regional nonprofit. Donations made locally truly help neighbors in our region.
- The blood used for tragic events and trauma incidents comes from what is currently on the shelf at MEDIC Regional Blood Center that has a critically low inventory.
- It takes three days for donated blood to be tested, processed and ready for distribution to local hospitals.
- MEDIC Regional Blood Center is the provider for blood and blood-related products for 25 hospitals in 22 counties including LeConte Medical Center in Sevier County.
- Blood donated in our service area stays in our service area
“I’m sure our community will come out to support this event,” said SPD Chief Joseph Manning. “With your help, we will be able to save more lives.”
