Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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 today, 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.