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Marsh Regional Blood Center’s popular Pints for Paws week is back, giving local blood donors the opportunity to support their favorite local animal shelter or rescue group.

From Feb. 24-28, Marsh Regional is donating $10 to local animal shelters for every pint of blood donated in its donation centers. Those who donate blood, plasma or platelets during the drive will also earn a free special-edition tote bag and an “Appalachian Strong” long-sleeved T-shirt. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will also be accommodated.

“Pints for Paws week is one of my personal favorite events that we host because it gives our donors a chance to support both our community members and our furry friends,” said Steffanie Sukel, director of Marsh Regional. “Not only are you potentially saving the lives of your fellow community members, but donating during this drive also gives you the opportunity to save the lives of homeless animals through supporting local shelters and rescue groups.”

Those who donate during Pints for Paws week will select the animal shelter or rescue group they wish to support upon registration. Participating organizations this year include:

– Bristol, Va., Animal Care and Control
– Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter
– Hawkins County Animal Welfare Shelter
– Holly Help Spay and Neuter
– Paws of Southwest Virginia
– Petworks
– Rescue DOG and End of Life Sanctuary (Mountain City, Tenn.)
– Scott County Animal Shelter
– Sullivan County Animal Shelter
– The Bridge No Kill Animal Shelter
– Unicoi County Animal Shelter
– Washington County Animal Shelter

Marsh Regional has been the largest hometown supplier of blood and blood products in the Appalachian Highlands for more than 75 years. Marsh Regional remains the sole provider of blood and blood products for the region’s 22 medical facilities, all regional cancer centers, and five air rescue bases across Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky, saving thousands of lives throughout the region per year. Blood donations benefit trauma patients in addition to people who rely on regular blood and blood products, such as patients receiving cancer treatment or those with blood disorders.

“Our region will always be in need of blood and blood products, so giving blood is an easy way to make a direct impact in your community,” Sukel said. “The best part about it is that all it takes is a little time—the whole process takes about an hour, and that hour of your time could save up to three lives.

“Plus, when you donate with Marsh Regional, you know that your donation stays local to help the people in your own backyard, so your donation could even save the life of someone you know.”

Those who wish to donate during Pints for Paws week should do so at one of Marsh Regional’s blood centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport; 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City; and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. All Marsh Regional donation centers are open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The centers in Bristol and Johnson City close from 1 to 2 p.m. daily for lunch.

Visit www.marshblood.com/donation-centers for a list of operating hours by location or to book an appointment online. Prospective donors can also call a center to make an appointment at Bristol, 423-652-0014; Kingsport, 423-408-7500; or Johnson City, 423-282-7090.

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.

In addition to the Pints for Paws blood drives, Marsh Regional hosts various blood drives throughout the Appalachian Highlands. Visit www.marshblood.com for more information about donating blood.