It is an annual trend for blood donation numbers to decrease in the summertime because schools are out and people travel more, and that is why Mississippi Blood Services need your help.
All types of blood are currently needed not only in Mississippi, but nationwide.
Emily Austin, the marketing and communications manager for Mississippi Blood Services, said having a nationwide shortage is tough because usually when they don’t have a full supply here in Mississippi, they’re able to reach out to their partner blood center through Blood Centers of America.
“When we have a national shortage, it makes our job that much more of a challenge,” said Austin.
She explained how critically important it is for people to go and donate.
“What a lot of people don’t understand is that the blood that’s donated today is not going to be available to go to hospitals for 24-48 hours, so we need to have it on the shelves before the need arises,” said Austin.
The months of June, July, and August bring diminishing numbers along with them, but summertime is not the only ongoing issue that the organization is facing as only 4% of the population donates blood.
There are three fixed locations in Flowood, Greenville, and Oxford for people to go and give back to the community. For more information, visit the organization’s website at msblood.com or download their free, mobile app.
