KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — MEDIC Regional Blood Center is teaming up with Dollywood to encourage blood donations during the summer months by offering a special incentive for donors across East Tennessee.
From July 20 through July 24, individuals who make a successful blood donation through MEDIC will receive a free ticket to Dollywood as part of a joint effort to support the region’s blood supply.
MEDIC officials say the annual promotion comes at a critical time when blood donations often decline during the summer while hospital demand remains steady.
“We are forever grateful to Dollywood for their support of MEDIC and regional patients,” said Kristy Altman, MEDIC’s Vice President of Communications and Public Relations. “This promotion stabilizes the blood supply during the heat of summer and allows us to have products on the shelf for our hospitals including Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital through the end of the summer season.”
Dollywood leaders say they are proud to support MEDIC’s mission and the impact donors have on local patients and hospitals.
“We are so thankful for our relationship with MEDIC Regional Blood Center,” said Carol Agee, Dollywood’s Senior Manager of Community Affairs and Philanthropy. “They play a critical role in saving lives and supporting our local hospitals. Through this promotion, Dollywood can also be a part of the great work that they do across our region.”
Officials noted that only donors who successfully complete a donation will receive a Dollywood ticket. Individuals who are deferred from donating will receive an alternate gift.
Due to the popularity of the promotion, all donations during the event week must be scheduled by appointment, and MEDIC says it will not be able to accommodate walk-in donors.
Appointments can be made by:
- Calling 865-524-3074
- Visiting medicblood.org/donate
- Using the MEDIC Donor App to locate nearby blood drives and schedule an appointment
MEDIC supplies blood products to hospitals throughout East Tennessee and says community donations play a vital role in ensuring life-saving blood is available when patients need it most.
