BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 22, 2020) - Following a successful blood drive in March, Bristol Motor Speedway and Marsh Regional Blood Center are partnering once again to host individuals interested in donating blood on Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. at the Marsh Regional mobile unit inside the North Entrance of Bristol Motor Speedway off Hwy 11E/Volunteer Parkway. With a national shortage of blood supply, local residents are encouraged to donate if they are able. As many as three lives can be saved each time someone donates blood - and donations to Marsh Regional stay local to help people in this region.
"We're so thankful to the many community members who helped those in need by donating blood at last month's drive," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. "We're looking forward to welcoming Marsh Regional Blood Center once again and encourage all healthy individuals who are able to help make a difference with a blood donation to attend."
Marsh Regional continues to take appropriate measures to reduce donors' potential exposure to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as extra disinfection and sanitization efforts. Donors will receive individualized directions to maintain proper social distancing measures, which might include waiting in their cars until it's their turn to give.
The virus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or by attending blood drives. Blood donation centers always take steps to prevent team members and donors who are not feeling well or who have a fever from reaching the donor area, and they are now taking additional social distancing precautions wherever possible.
"Between canceled blood drives, physical distancing recommendations and donors' concerns with their health, our blood supplies run the risk of becoming dangerously low," said Don Campbell, director of Marsh Regional. "If you're healthy, feel well and haven't been exposed to COVID-19, we invite you to come out and give the gift of life."
Marsh Regional supplies blood to 28 regional medical facilities, all regional cancer centers and five air rescue bases in Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.
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.
For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 423-282-7090 or visit www.marshblood.com.
-BMS-
