Summer is a busy time with various entertainment, activities and trips planned.

Less people may be able to book a blood donation appointment. But emergencies can strike at any moment, and donors of all blood types are needed now to secure their time to give with area blood banks.

Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give ─ an especially troubling scenario at a time where area blood banks have experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks. In addition to many end-of-school year activities, travel and school breaks, June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season ─ a reminder that severe weather can also quickly disrupt the ability to donate in affected areas and potentially delay or cancel blood drives.

Morristown is home to several area blood drives by MEDIC Blood Center this month and into July.

Today (Wednesday) Fazoli’s Restaurant, located at 4362 Erica Greene Circle in Merchant’s Greene, will hold a MEDIC Blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Jefferson City Community Center will also host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Thursday, First Century Bank of Sneedville will host a MEDIC drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market will also host a drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Friday, June 19, Walmart on Crockett Trace Boulevard, will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 1, Food City on Sandstone Drive at Massengill Springs Center will host a drive from noon to 6 p.m. The Food City on East Morris Boulevard will also host a drive from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3.

Donors who give blood will receive a MEDIC each Towel after donation while supplies last. They will also receive coupons from Texas Roadhouse, Salsarita’s and GSM Rentals.

It is recommended to set up an appointment to donate blood using MEDIC’s website at tndonor. org.

MEDIC Regional Blood Center is the provider of blood and blood-related products for 24 hospitals across 23 counties in East Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky, as well as regional air transport services. Your blood donation truly helps your community.

For more information, call 865-524-3074.