Annual Orange and Blue Blood Drive Set for November 16-20
November 9, 2026, 11:16 a.m.

In its 39th year, the Orange and Blue Blood Drive Competition Week is a staple in East Tennessee. The competition between MEDIC Regional Blood Center and Kentucky Blood Center was created to celebrate SEC football and to bring in donors ahead of the holidays to ensure that patients will have lifesaving blood products.

All donors will receive a Special Edition Crewneck Sweatshirt featuring the original Orange and Blue graphic and coupons for Texas Roadhouse, Salsarita’s, Papa John’s, and GSM Cabin Rentals. Donors also receive a ticket to Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital Fantasy of Trees. All first-time donors will receive a $25 e-gift card.

Appointments are not required but always encouraged and can also be made on the website. Donors can visit www.medicblood.org to find a mobile drive location or information on donation centers.

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.

MEDIC is an independent, nonprofit organization. Products donated through MEDIC help community members in East Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky. Products donated through any other collection activity/organization do not stay in East Tennessee or Southeastern Kentucky. They are shipped out of the area and nationally.