KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An organization that provides blood for hospitals and medical facilities across East Tennessee said it is in urgent need of O-negative blood donors.
MEDIC Regional Blood Center said it organized several promotions for December to attract donors. It said the organization is seeing higher demand for O-negative blood and for platelets.
"December is a great, is a big month for surgeries. A lot of people wait and do them at the end of the year, they're going to have extra time off. So, that gives them extra time to recover," said Kristy Altman, who works with MEDIC.
Donors will get a MEDIC beanie and a coupon for Texas Roadhouse if they give blood. Blood donors can also get a $15 e-gift card from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31.
Platelet donors can donate by Jan. 31 and receive a $25 e-gift card on weekdays or a $50 e-gift card on weekends.
Any MEDIC donors who give between Dec. 26 and Jan. 21 can also receive a MEDIC beanie.
MEDIC said O-negative blood is the most common type of transfusion when a person's blood type is unknown, and it's the most common blood type requested in trauma incidents.
It also said around 7% of the population has O-negative blood. The blood type is known as the "universal donor," since it can be given to people who have any other blood type. However, people with O-negative blood can only receive donations of O-negative products.
Anyone who is able to donate O-negative 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 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.