Officials with Mississippi Blood Services are sounding the alarm that shelves are bare and that donations are needed now.
“Mississippi Blood Services is facing a critical blood shortage and is urgently calling on eligible donors statewide to step forward,” a statement from the organization reads. “Every day, patients in Mississippi hospitals rely on blood transfusions for trauma care, cancer treatments, and surgical procedures. We need to keep our shelves full to ensure no patient has to wait for the blood they need.”
To encourage donations, MBS is launching a limited-time donor appreciation campaign at its Flowood, Cleveland, and Oxford centers from now until Sunday. A $20 Visa gift card will be awarded immediately to every whole blood donor. Donors will also be automatically entered for a weekly drawing that consists of a $250 Walmart gift card grand prize. A $50 Visa gift card is being handed out to whole platelet donors, as well.
Donation center locations and hours
- Flowood: 115 Tree Street, Flowood, MS 39232
- Hours: Mon., Tues., and Fri.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wed. and Thurs.: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Sat.: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Special Hours: Sunday, August 31: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cleveland: 609 N Davis Ave, Suite 101B, Cleveland, MS 38732
- Hours: Tues.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Oxford: 2627 W Oxford Loop, Suite C, Oxford, MS 38655
- Hours: Tues.- Fri.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
How to schedule an appointment
While walk-ins are welcome, folks can call (601) 368-2673 to schedule an appointment. More information on who can donate blood can be found here.
