Knoxville (WVLT) - Medic Regional Blood Center is reaching a big milestone today.

The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Medic began serving hospitals only in Knoxville back in 1958, but now serves 29 hospitals in a 21 county area.

It was a joint effort by both the Knoxville Academy Of Medicine and local hospitals.

Medic is the area's only provider of blood and blood products, and officials tell us the demand is high.

If you'd like to donate blood, give medic a call at 524-3074.