The Knoxville Police Department has organized a blood drive with Medic Regional Blood Center for today until 5 p.m. at police headquarters at 800 Howard Baker, Jr. Avenue

The special blood drive is to help injured KPD Officer Norman Rickman who was shot responding to a call on Tuesday.

According to MEDIC officials if you're planning to donate blood, it's important to specify you're there to help Officer Rickman.

Several people wait in line to donate blood in honor of KPD Officer Norman Rickman.
This Medic bus will hold up to 5 people donating blood. If you'd like to donate in Officer Rickman's honor and cannot make it to the KPD location today, go to MEDIC Regional Blood Bank at 1601 Ailor Avenue. It's open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

If you are eligible and would like to donate blood, here are a few things to know:

REMEMBER TO EAT WITHIN FOUR HOURS BEFORE DONATION

You will be asked to show positive identification

Donors receive a free Medic T-shirt, a cholesterol level evaluation and Medic's Family Blood Coverage

You will read a short brochure explaining who is at risk for the AIDS virus and other blood-borne diseases.

If you believe you are not at risk for transmitting diseases, you may proceed with screening, which will take about 20 minutes.

During screening, you will be asked questions concerning your lifestyle and health history. All blood centers are required to obtain this information to protect the safety of the blood supply.

You also will be given a "mini-physical" -- readings of your blood pressure, iron level and temperature.

When you are ready to donate, you'll notice that the needle is part of an individual, sterilized unit and touches no one except you. So, it is impossible to contract any diseases while donating.

Donation usually takes about nine minutes. After you are finished, you should press on the needle stick site and hold your arm in the air for about three minutes.