Despite a nationwide emergency blood shortage declared by the American Red Cross, MEDIC Regional Blood Center announced today that its local inventory of blood products remains stable.

The American Red Cross (ARC) issued a widespread news alert highlighting critical shortages across its supply network. However, MEDIC officials clarified that the national shortage does not impact blood product availability in their service area, as MEDIC operates entirely independently of the ARC.

The two organizations do not partner to collect blood products, and the American Red Cross does not supply blood to hospitals within MEDIC’s regional footprint.

As an independent, nonprofit community blood center, MEDIC serves as the primary provider of blood products for 24 hospitals across 23 counties in East Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky. Its coverage includes major regional healthcare providers, such as:

• Blount Memorial Hospital

• Covenant Health System

• Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital

• Tennova Healthcare

• University of Tennessee Medical Center locations

Community members seeking more information about MEDIC Regional Blood Center or exploring local career opportunities can visit their official website at medicblood.org.