Alert: Mississippi Blood Services seeks donors to ease shortage

Mississippi Blood Services is calling on all eligible donors to give blood as it struggles with a severe supply shortage.

Donors of every blood type are needed.

Kasey Dickson, Mississippi Blood Services director of marketing and public relations, explained that it’s normal for donations to drop during the summer. However, MBS isn’t sure what’s causing the ongoing slowdown.

Mississippi’s blood shortage is part of a national problem. The American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies released a joint statement in July calling for more donations to help the nation’s strained blood supply.

MBS needs 250 blood donations and 40 platelet donations daily to maintain a healthy supply. Dickson said the amount of donations it currently receives daily is “not anywhere near that.” 

“Blood cannot be made in a tube,” Dickson said. “The only way that blood can be provided to other individuals in need is if individuals themselves donate it.”

Mississippi Blood Services provides blood products to over 50 hospitals statewide, as well as ambulance and helicopter services that transport to rural communities. This includes whole blood, platelets and more.

MBS collects products at facilities in Flowood, Oxford and with mobile collection units. 

Eligible donors can walk in or schedule an appointment. People can find information on eligibility on MBS’ website and by calling 601-981-3232. 

MBS recommends donors prepare by eating a healthy meal and drinking plenty of fluids. Donors will be given an onsite health screening, which includes a questionnaire and a mini-physical. 

Once blood is collected, it gets tested for its blood type, red blood cell antibodies and undergoes nucleic acid amplification testing. It’s also screened for infections, including HIV-1 and hepatitis B. After testing and processing, it’s ready to be delivered to hospitals in need.

MBS has been spreading the word about the need for donations, as well as holding special promotions. For Breast Cancer Awareness Donor Appreciation Week, people who donate at the Flowood and Oxford centers can receive a free T-shirt and car magnet while supplies last through Friday.