Critical need for blood donations; Marsh Regional to hold blood drives at area organizations
Marsh Regional Blood Center has issued an urgent plea for blood donations, particularly from donors with O-negative blood, which can be used for any patient.
Blood donations are especially important during the winter months, due to blood drive and center cancellations from winter weather. However, the need for blood to treat illnesses and injuries does not slow down.
“Blood supplies have decreased not just in this region, but nationwide, since the winter months” said Steffanie Sukel, director of Marsh Regional. “Throughout the rest of the winter months, it will be especially crucial for people to give blood to keep up with demand and meet the needs of our region.”
Marsh Regional will conduct public community blood drives at the following locations:
· Thursday, Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., J.I Burton High School, Norton, Virginia
· Thursday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m.- 4p.m., Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, Virginia
· Thursday, Feb. 1, noon-6 p.m., Food City in Wise, Virginia
· Thursday, Feb. 1, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Blackthorn Club at The Ridges, Jonesborough, Tennessee
· Friday, Feb. 2, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., West Ridge High School, Blountville, Tennessee
· Saturday, Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Black Wolf Harley Davidson, Bristol, Virginia
Additionally, through Friday, Feb. 2, all blood donors at donations centers will receive a $10 Food City gift card.
In addition to the mobile drives, donors can give at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport; 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City; and 1996 W. State St., Bristol.
As many as three lives can be saved each time someone donates blood – and all blood donations to Marsh Regional stay local to help people in this region.
Blood collected by Marsh Regional stays within the Appalachian Highlands, as the blood center supplies blood and blood products to 20 regional medical facilities, all regional cancer centers and five air rescue bases across Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. Blood donations benefit trauma patients as well as patients who need a regular supply of blood and blood products, such as patients in treatment for cancer or those with blood disorders.
To give blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. People with a cold, sore throat, fever, flu or fever blisters or who are taking antibiotics may not donate. Donors should eat a balanced meal before giving blood.
For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www.marshblood.com.
