Marsh Regional Blood Center to hold annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive on Monday, Sept. 11
Marsh Regional Blood Center will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive, giving community members the opportunity to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, 2001.
This year’s drive will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Bristol Motor Speedway’s Dragway, which is accessible by taking Entrance 3 from Highway 394.
Donations during the blood drive will honor individuals who lost their lives during the tragic events of 9/11 with a special name card given to each donor. All donors will also receive a snack and a special-edition T-shirt after donating, and the first 150 donors will receive a swag bag.
“In the weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, people wanted to help in whatever way they could, so they came out in droves to give blood,” said Steffanie Sukel, director of Marsh Regional. “We wanted to honor that selflessness, so we began the 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive to give our community members the chance to continue the legacy of saving lives through blood donation. This is an annual drive that really lets the generosity and heroism of our region shine.”
As many as three lives can be saved with one blood donation – and blood donations received through Marsh Regional stay in the Appalachian Highlands to help local patients. Marsh Regional supplies blood to 21 regional medical facilities, all regional cancer centers and five air rescue bases in Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.
Marsh Regional’s blood supply remains at critical levels for all blood types, driving an urgent need for blood and blood product donations in the Appalachian Highlands. Products such as platelets aren’t collected on mobile units, but donors can make an appointment at any Marsh Regional blood donation center.
“Giving blood is an easy way to give back to your community,” Sukel said. “Blood donation saves millions of lives every year, and that includes people in our own backyard. The great thing about donating blood through Marsh Regional is that the blood stays local, so your donation could even save the life of someone you know.”
To give blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. People with a cold, sore throat, fever, flu or fever blisters or those who are taking antibiotics are not eligible to donate. Donors should eat a well-balanced meal before giving blood.
For those who are unable to come to the 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive at Bristol Motor Speedway, Marsh Regional also operates blood drives across the Appalachian Highlands, and donors are also welcome at its three locations in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City. Appointments can be made by calling 423-408-7500 or by visiting marshblood.com, and walk-ins are also welcome.
More information about blood, plasma and platelet donation is available at www.marshblood.com.
