Pink Out Day blood drive returns for fourth year at all Marsh Regional Blood Center locations

Donors earn special-edition T-shirt, 40-ounce tumbler

Marsh Regional Blood Center’s Pink Out Day blood drive returns for its fourth year on Monday, Oct. 9, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Donors can give from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Marsh Regional’s three donation centers in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol. All donors will receive a 40-ounce special-edition tumbler and breast cancer awareness T-shirt while supplies last.

“Blood donation is always a great way to support your community, and donating blood is a very special way for folks to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Steffanie Sukel, director of Marsh Regional. “Our blood and blood products aid thousands of cancer patients in the region every year, so a steady blood supply is critical for us. We encourage anyone who is looking to honor or memorialize someone who is battling or has battled breast cancer to consider donating blood.”

All blood donations collected by Marsh Regional remain in the Appalachian Highlands to treat 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.

Blood supplies are used in emergency and life-threatening situations to stabilize patients with traumatic injuries, but many other patients depend on a steady flow of blood supply for treatment of cancer and other health conditions. Donors with O-negative blood types are particularly welcome, as their blood can be used for any patient.

“We deeply appreciate donors who come any time of the year—we always need blood and blood products,” Sukel said. “Donating blood is one of the most selfless acts you can do to benefit your community, and all it takes is a little time.”

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.

The blood donation process—including a questionnaire and short physical—takes about an hour, with the actual blood donation taking about 10 minutes. Donors should take care to stay hydrated after donating blood.

Marsh Regional also collects platelets, a blood product that helps form blood clots to stop bleeding. Platelets are an integral part of a cancer patient’s care journey, as some kinds of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, which is responsible for producing platelets. Platelet and plasma donation take longer than blood donation, but offer a great benefit to people with cancer, blood-clotting disorders and other diseases.

Walk-ins will be accommodated as capacity allows, and Marsh Regional will station mobile units at all three centers to accommodate donors. Donors can make an appointment online at marshblood.com or call one of Marsh Regional’s blood centers:

· Bristol: 423-652-0014

· Johnson City: 423-282-7090

· Kingsport: 423-408-7500

Those who are unable to come to Pink Out Day are welcome to make an appointment at a later date at any of Marsh Regional’s three donation centers in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City