Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations, pleading with Mississippians to donate. MBS has seen a drastic drop in scheduled appointments and the blood center anticipates the available inventory of blood to be at less than a one-day supply for type O negative within the coming days. MBS strives for at least a three-day supply of blood, so it can be ready to serve all patients, even during unexpected events.
While all blood types are needed, Type O Negative blood, used to treat trauma patients in emergencies, is the most at risk. Only about 7% of donors have Type O Negative blood, making it extremely important for those individuals to donate.
MBS is urgently seeking donors for more than 200 open appointments available at community blood drives and the Flowood, Cleveland and Oxford Center this week.
“Summer is a crucial time for blood donation. With more people traveling and getting together, there is more opportunity for accidents and the subsequent need for blood,” said Christopher Swafford, President and CEO of MBS. “Type O blood donors are most needed, as the supply of O-negative blood is dangerously low.”
For those who do not know their specific blood type, the best way to find out is by signing up to donate blood. Donors can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 601-368-2673 or visit MBS online at msblood.com.
How is blood used?
Trauma Patients
In the U.S., hemorrhage is the most common cause of death within the first hour of arrival to a trauma center.
More than 80 percent of deaths in the operating room and nearly 50 percent of deaths in the first 24 hours after injury are due to severe blood loss.
Three percent of civilian trauma patients will receive a massive transfusion and these patients consume 70 percent of all blood transfused at a trauma center.
Gunshot victims are approximately five times more likely to require blood transfusions, they require 10 times more blood units and are 14 times more likely to die than people seriously injured by motor vehicles, non-gun assaults, falls, or stabs.
Individuals Going Through Cancer Treatments
More than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer.
More than 1.9 million people are diagnosed with a new cancer each year and many of them will need blood during their chemotherapy treatment.
Maternity and Pediatric Patients
Transfusions are needed in the U.S. in 1 out of every 83 deliveries.
Pediatric patients in the U.S. used 652,000 blood components.
MBS has special hours this weekend at the Flowood (Sun. June 25th from 10:30am – 2:30pm) and Cleveland Center (Sat. June 24th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm) to provide more flexibility for donors. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
Mississippi Blood Services – Flowood
115 Tree Street Flowood, MS 39232
Hours:
Mon., Tues. & Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wed. & Thurs. 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sun. Appointment Only
Mississippi Blood Services – Oxford
2627 West Oxford Loop #C Oxford, MS 38655
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mississippi Blood Services – Cleveland
609 N. Davis, Suite 101B Cleveland, MS 38732
Hours:
Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri. – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thurs. – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donating blood takes about an hour. To learn more, visit msblood.com.Please join us on Saturday, July 8, 2023, for the 10th annual Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Walk-A-Thon in Bolton, MS. The event will be held at the Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Park Plaza from 6:45 AM to 9:00 AM.
There will be refreshments, health awareness presentations and free blood pressure screenings. This is sponsored by the Class of 1975 Hinds A.H.S. in Utica, MS and is free to the public.
