Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee will host a blood drive with Blood Assurance, the sole provider of blood products for Williamson Health, on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 12-5 p.m. Donors are encouraged to sign up here via the Blood Assurance website for an appointment time, though walk-ins are welcome. 

Participants in this month’s blood drive will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last. Throughout September, donors at all Blood Assurance blood drive locations will also be entered to win one of three MacBook Pros. Winners will be chosen at random and contacted via phone in October. 

“The need for blood to support patients at hospitals like Williamson Medical Center, is urgent,” said Max Winitz, spokesperson for Blood Assurance. “Due to increased demand, the local blood supply is nowhere near where we’d like it to be. It’s vital that residents of Williamson County schedule an appointment to donate this lifesaving fluid — a single donation can save three lives.”

The September blood drive will be held in the Blood Assurance mobile unit in the Bone and Joint Institute parking lot, 3000 Edward Curd Lane in Franklin. Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute are both part of Williamson Health, a regional health care system with more than 30 locations in Williamson County.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.