Marsh Regional Blood Center to hold Pink Out Day at Kingsport Farmers Market on Oct. 3

Marsh Regional Blood Center will hold its third annual Pink Out Day blood drive on Monday, Oct. 3, to generate much-needed blood donations while also honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Kingsport Farmers Market on Clinchfield Street. Blood donors will receive a limited-edition breast cancer awareness T-shirt, and the first 100 donors will receive a special light pink 20 oz. tumbler.

“Every blood center in the nation is operating at critical levels right now, but the need is always there,” said Steffanie Sukel, director of Marsh Regional. “Our blood supply helps us treat not only trauma victims, but also cancer patients throughout the region. Just one donation can save up to three lives, and when you donate through Marsh Regional, you know your donation is going to help someone in the Appalachian Highlands.”

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.

Blood supplies are used in emergency and life-threatening situations, but a steady supply of blood and blood products are also needed to treat patients with cancer and other health conditions.

Like many donor centers across the nation, Marsh Regional’s blood supply remains at critical levels for all blood types, driving an urgent need for blood and blood products, such as platelets and plasma, in the Appalachian Highlands. Products such as platelets and plasma aren’t collected on mobile units, but donors can make an appointment at any Marsh Regional blood donation center at a later date.

Donors with O-negative blood types are particularly welcome, as their blood can be used for any patient.

Appointments for the drive can be made on the Marsh Regional Facebook page, and walk-in appointments will also be accommodated.

“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.

Donors must wear a mask at all times while donating blood. Masks will be provided to anyone who doesn’t have one.

Those who have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate the same day if they are feeling healthy. Those who are recovering from COVID-19 should wait at least two weeks after COVID-19 symptoms subside before donating.

For those who are unable to come to the Pink Out Day, Marsh Regional accepts appointments at any of its three locations in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City. Appointments can be made by calling 423-408-7500 or by visiting marshblood.com. Walk-ins are welcome, or potential donors can call 423-652-0014 for an appointment.