Medic makes public appeal for community to give blood

Donating is beneficial for both recipients and donors Medic Regional Blood Center was founded in 1958 in hopes of establishing one agency that would collect, test and distribute the donated blood in a specific area. Located in Knoxville, Medic is a not for profit center that pays for its operational expenses through blood supplier processing fees charged by hospitals. When a patient is given blood in a hospital, the fees can range from $100 to well over $500 for certain blood products. Medic is one of the very few blood centers that have a Blood Coverage Program. Nancy Seay, RN, and Director of Nursing for Medic explains that when a person donates blood, they, as well as their IRS dependants, will not be charged blood processing fees in the event of a necessary blood transfusion. “Our membership program covers the cost of receiving blood when many insurance companies don’t,” she explained. “It is much like an insurance policy that is very affordable.” To donate blood a person needs to be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 pounds. Persons taking most types of medications are also eligible to donate and urged to contribute. The entire process takes approximately 45minutes and refreshments are served to the donors. Medic needs 350 units every day to supply their 28 hospitals in the 21 counties. “We are the only blood supplier for these hospitals, and they are counting on us to keep their shelves stocked,” said Seay. “It is a daily struggle for there is a tragedy everyday where units of blood are needed.” Reports show that only five percent of those who are eligible to donate actually do and that someone needs blood every three seconds. For additional information on donating blood, the Blood Coverage Program, additional benefits, or locations of the bloodmobile, please go to www.medicblood.com or call 524-3074. Medic is an accredited member of the American Association of Blood Banks and is licensed by the FDA and the State of Tennessee.