MEDIC’s O Negative Inventory Critically Low
September 22, 2026, 2:39 p.m.

KNOXVILLE - Recent traumas have depleted the O Negative inventory. MEDIC is urging O Negative blood types to donate as soon as possible to stabilize the inventory level. All O Negative donors are automatically enrolled in the O Negative Loyalty Program and will receive e-gift cards based on the number of donations since May 1, 2026, when the program launched.

To reward all donors, MEDIC is offering several special incentives this week. Donors are automatically entered to win a pair of Dollywood tickets from the 21st through the 25th. A pair of tickets will be raffled for every blood drive and for donor centers every day next week. That’s 50 pairs that will be given away.

Donors on Monday through Wednesday are also automatically entered to win floor seats for Thursday’s Ella Langley concert.

On Friday, 9/25, donors will receive a special edition Dolly Parton-themed shirt while supplies last. All shirts are first come, first served.

Finally, donors can choose to skip their Gift (shirt), and MEDIC will donate $5 per skipped gift to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in September and October. Donors can visit www.medicblood.org to find a mobile drive location or information on donation centers. Appointments are not required but always encouraged and can also be made on the website.

MEDIC is the primary blood product provider for 24 hospitals and air and ground medical transport services across 23 counties. MEDIC services Prisma Health Blount Memorial, Covenant Health System, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, Tennova Healthcare, and UT Medical.

As a reminder, the blood, platelets, and plasma products on the shelves now are what would be used in a trauma event. Donated blood takes at least three days to be processed and ready for distribution.