Medic experiencing critical blood shortage

Medic Regional Blood Center is experiencing a critical blood shortage and is struggling to meet the needs of 27 hospitals in East Tennessee and Southeast Kentucky.

“Collections have been low for us and the need from our area hospitals have been on the rise, said Christi Fightmaster of Medic public relations. “We are operating on a one-day supply of blood.”

Donors in Roane County have a number of opportunities to do their part. Blood drives will be:

• May 3 — Mobile unit at Kingston Dollar General, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• May 7 — Kingston First Baptist Church room 151, 2-8 p.m.; and Tennessee Technology Center of Harrriman in lower-building conference room, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• May 11 — Harriman High School auditorium, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; and mobile unit at Midway High School, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.