KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — MEDIC Regional Blood Center said Thursday it was critically low on O-type blood, counting fewer than two days' worth left in its inventory.
It said it was running low on both O-negative and O-positive types of blood, and encouraged people with those blood types to donate as soon as possible. O-type blood is one of the most common given to people after trauma situations, such as car crashes. The blood center previously said it is given to patients more than any other blood type.
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 it takes at least three days for donated blood to be processed before it can be given to people who need it.
MEDIC is the main supplier of blood products for medical facilities across East Tennessee, helping make sure hospitals and clinics can provide the care that people may need in serious situations.
