College gives students a chance to earn a degree, have fun and meet a lot of friends, but it’s also a great time to perform community service. One of the better ways is to save lives by donating blood. As many as three lives may be saved each time a person donates blood. Shelby Jae Morris, a junior majoring in broadcasting at East Tennessee State University, understands the value of donating and urges all of her peers to contribute to the local blood supply. She started donating blood three years ago when she moved to Johnson City.

“At the beginning it was an overwhelming experience, because I am scared of needles,” Morris said. “But once I realized that in a few minutes I could completely change someone else’s life, it did not take long for me to get over my fear.”

Next week, Marsh Regional has scheduled three drives at local campuses.

On Monday, Feb. 21, Milligan College will host a drive at Hart Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ETSU students can donate blood on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 22-23, between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center.

Marsh Regional will hold blood drives throughout the spring semester at other colleges in the region, including Northeast State Community College, Mountain Empire Community College and King College.

Blood donations to Marsh Regional stay local to help people in this region.

To donate blood, individuals must be at least 17 years old, weigh 120 pounds or more and be in good health.

Persons 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 blood drives or to plan one at your business, church, school or community organization, please call (423) 979-0574, (423) 224-5888 or (423) 652-0014 or visit www.marshblood.com.

Donors can also come to Marsh Regional’s collection centers in Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol.

At these three sites, students can also donate blood platelets, which are used in heart surgeries and cancer treatment.

While this donation process is longer, Campbell notes all three collection centers have wireless Internet access, enabling students to take care of other tasks at the same time they are donating.

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