KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An organization that provides blood for hospitals and medical facilities across East Tennessee said it needs donations of O-positive blood on Tuesday.
MEDIC Regional Blood Center said that it has seen a higher usage than average this week, leading to the low inventory. It also said that O-positive blood is given to more patients than any other blood type.
Around two weeks ago, MEDIC also said there was an urgent need for O-negative blood — the most common type of blood given to patients when their blood type is unknown. It is also the most common kind of blood given to patients in trauma situations, such as car crashes.
Anyone who is able to donate blood can visit a donor center or mobile location to do so. There are four centers located in East Tennessee, listed below.
- Ailor Center: 1601 Ailor Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37921
- Crossville Center: 96 Hayes Street, Crossville, TN, 38555
- Athens Center: 213 E. Washington Avenue Suite 104, Athens, TN, 37303
- Farragut Center: 11000 Kingston Pike Suite 4, Knoxville, TN 37934
Donors can also reach out to MEDIC Regional Blood Center to arrange an appointment by calling (865) 524-3074. They can also schedule an appointment online. MEDIC previously said the blood, platelets and plasma products currently on the shelves are what would be used to treat someone during trauma incidents. It takes at least three days for donated blood to be processed.