As many as three lives can be saved each time someone donates blood, and all blood collected by Marsh Regional stays within the Appalachian Highlands.
Following the regionwide devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Marsh Regional
Blood Center and ETSU are holding a community drive for blood and supply donations
on Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The event will take place in the Culp Center Ballroom, located on the third floor,
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. All eligible blood donors are invited to attend,
and community members are encouraged to bring donations to assist people affected
by the storms and floodwaters, such as:
- Bottled water
- Cleaning supplies
- New bedding
- New clothing
- New socks and shoes
- Nonperishable food
ETSU and Marsh Regional Blood Center will distribute supplies to regional agencies
that are assisting with disaster relief.
“Hurricane Helene and the ensuant flooding have caused unprecedented wreckage throughout
our region,” said Ballad Health Chairman and CEO Alan Levine. “But through the tragedy,
our community members have been reaching out for ways to help – and Marsh Regional
Blood Center and ETSU are giving them an opportunity to do that. This is the beauty
of the Appalachian Highlands – the people who live here, their strength and their
resilience.”
Appointments are not required for the donation event, and community members can park
in Lot 35, between the Reece Museum and the D.P. Culp Center.
“This is a heartbreaking time for our community,” ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland
said. “But this is a place where we take care of our neighbors and live by the value
that people come first. We will do whatever we can to assist with the recovery in
the weeks and months to come.”
As many as three lives can be saved each time someone donates blood. All 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.
All blood and blood product donors will receive a T-shirt and snacks. ETSU students
and faculty will be able to receive a special-edition Buccaneers shirt while supplies
last.
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.
Since its inception in 1911, East Tennessee State University has been committed to improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Central to this mission is the belief that people come first. Bucs Rebuild Together, the university’s response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene in the region, reflects ETSU’s continuing commitment to support our communities in times of need. Through collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to helping rebuild, embodying our core values of service, excellence, and compassion. Learn more at etsu.edu/response
Marsh Regional Blood Center is the largest hometown supplier of blood and blood products for patients in the Appalachian Highlands. Marsh Regional is celebrating more than 75 years of serving millions of patients in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, continuing the Marsh Regional mantra: “Give Here. Help Here.” Marsh Regional supplies 20 regional medical facilities, multiple cancer centers and five air rescue bases in Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky, and is the sole provider of blood for Ballad Health. Visit marshblood.com for more information or to schedule a donation or host a blood drive.
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