Don Long Family Donates $500,000 to Knoxville Hospital

The gift will fund a new women's imaging center at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics to honor the late Margaret Long.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy

The exterior of a modern community hospital building surrounded by green gardens under a clear sky. — The Don Long family has pledged $500,000 to the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Foundation to fund a new women’s imaging center. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Don Long family has pledged $500,000 to the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Foundation to support the development of a new imaging facility. The center is being built to honor the memory of Margaret Long, who dedicated 31 years to a career in education.

Why it matters

This significant donation allows the hospital to centralize essential women's health services. The new facility aims to provide greater comfort and convenience for residents seeking diagnostic care.

The donation of $500,000 represents a substantial contribution to the hospital's infrastructure expansion. The new center will consolidate Mammography, Ultrasound, and DEXA services into one location.

The players

Don Long

Don Long is a local donor who contributed the funding to support the expansion of medical facilities at the hospital.

Margaret Long

Margaret Long was a longtime educator who served the community for 31 years before passing away in 2025.

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics

This local healthcare provider serves as the primary medical facility for the area and is currently undergoing facility renovations.

The details

The hospital is currently renovating the former OB/Infusion Center space to house the new Margaret Long Women's Imaging Center. This project is designed to improve the privacy and overall experience for patients accessing imaging services.

The Don & Margaret Long Infusion Center opened in 2024.
Margaret Long passed away in July 2025.
Construction on the new center began in mid-August 2026.
Construction is expected to be completed in December 2026.

Market Landscape

This contribution reflects a growing trend of private philanthropic support fueling local healthcare infrastructure upgrades. It positions the hospital to enhance its competitive service offerings while building upon the Long family's established relationship with the facility.

Local residents will gain access to a modernized, centralized facility for mammography, ultrasound, and bone density scans once construction concludes. This will reduce the need for patients to navigate multiple departments for routine imaging appointments.

The takeaway

Philanthropic gifts often act as a critical catalyst for healthcare providers to modernize aging facility footprints. Residents should look for upcoming notices regarding the center's official opening date later this year.