Mississippi Blood Services has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations in Mississippi.
MBS officials said they have seen a drastic drop in scheduled appointments and the blood center anticipates the available inventory of blood to at less than a single day supply for Type O Negative. The organization strives for a minimum of three-day supply of blood to be equipped to serve all patients and be prepared for unexpected events.
Donations from all blood types are needed, but Type O Negative donors are especially necessary as this type is used to treat trauma patients. Only about 7% of donors have Type O Negative blood, making it extremely important that those individuals donate.
“Summer is a crucial time for blood donation,” MBS President and CEO Christopher Swafford said. “With more people traveling and getting together, there is more opportunity for accidents and the subsequent need for blood. Type O blood donors are most needed, as the supply of O-negative blood is dangerously low.”
MBS is urgently seeking donors for more than 200 open appointments available at community blood drives in Flowood, Cleveland, and Oxford Center this week. If you don’t know your blood type, the best way to find out is to donate blood.
One donation of blood can save up to three lives, and anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give.
Donors can schedule a donation appointment by calling 601-368-2673 or visiting msblood.com.
