Mississippi Blood Services is calling on area residents to help address near-empty shelves through donations.
The state is currently experiencing a critical blood shortage, and officials are saying the public can make a difference by donating this weekend. Donation centers in Flowood, Cleveland, and Oxford will be up and running, eager for visitors to walk through the doors.
In appreciation of their generosity, all donors will receive a $20 VISA gift card. Blood inventory levels have reached dangerously low levels due to a significant nationwide decrease in donations, coupled with heightened patient demand. Mississippi Blood Services is especially in need of O negative, O positive, B negative, B positive, and A negative blood types.
Per officials, these donations are crucial for supporting hospitals as they provide life-saving care, including trauma services, surgeries, and cancer treatments.
“The need for blood is immediate. Every donation can save up to three lives,” Kasey Dickson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at MBS, said. “There is no blood on the shelves. Without community support, essential medical procedures could be delayed, putting lives at risk.”
Donation Center Locations:
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- Cleveland (609 North Davis, Suite 101B)
- Flowood (115 Tree Street)
- Oxford (2627 West Oxford Loop)
These centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Walk-ins are always welcome. More information can be found here.
