After thousands of cancellations nationwide due to severe weather during the first month of the year, the American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood in February.
“The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood in February to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month,” a portion of a press release reads, noting 16,000 blood donations went uncollected in January.
To make up for the shortage and work to combat against an ongoing flu surge, the American Red Cross will be operating more drives than usual across Mississippi over the next couple of weeks. While all blood and platelet donors are needed, type O negative is especially in demand.
“People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood – are encouraged to make and keep their donation appointments so hospitals can continue to ensure critical care for patients this winter,” the release continued. “As February continues, so does the potential for severe weather systems to disrupt blood drives. Flu and other seasonal illnesses are spreading, which could also force more people to cancel scheduled donation appointments, compounding the impact of collecting lifesaving blood products.”
Anyone who gives blood or platelets before Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Upcoming drives in south Mississippi are scheduled in Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Gautier, and Ocean Springs. Additional information on those drives can be found here.
For those in central and northern Mississippi, blood drives are expected to be announced soon. However, appointments can always be made at American Red Cross locations in Jackson and Tupelo.
