MEDIC Regional Blood Center issued an emergency appeal for donations of all blood types.

MEDIC is currently back-ordered on O-positive blood, the most common blood type, and area hospitals have a below-minimum supply. If hospitals deplete their inventories, MEDIC has nothing to send them.

MEDIC officials say it is critical to replenish the blood center's supply. 
 
"We urge all eligible blood donors to come out and give," said Jim Decker, chief executive officer of MEDIC Regional Blood Center. "This is also a great time for first-time donors to really make an impact on the community." 
 
While the need for O-positive is most critical, MEDIC is seeking donations of all blood types. O-negative blood is always needed because it is the universal blood type and most often used during emergency situations when blood type is not known.

In Knox County, MEDIC is accepting donations at its downtown location at 1601 Ailor Avenue or in Farragut at 11000 Kingston Pike. For blood drives in other counties, call 865-524-3074 or visit http://www.medicblood.com.

Donors must have positive identification, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit for donating blood.