United Blood Services has issued an emergency appeal for blood from donors of all types, particularly those with Rh negative types.
Following Independence Day weekend, UBS has less than a one-day supply of blood reserves on its shelves, according to a press release it issued on Tuesday. The organization provides blood for most hospitals in North Mississippi, as well as hospitals from Meridian to Hattiesburg.
Blood donations started getting low in April and have plummeted since Memorial Day. UBS is particularly in need of donations from donors who are A-negative, B-negative, AB-negative or O-negative.
“Unfortunately, due to high patient usage and fewer donations from the public, we find it necessary to alert the public about the dire need for all blood types, especially the Rh negative types,” said Mitzi Breaux, UBS marketing and communications manager. “If you are eligible to donate, please give now.”
Usually supplies start getting low around Memorial Day. During the summer not as many donors give blood because high schools and colleges aren’t in session to hold drives or because people leave town, Breaux said.
This summer is worse than usual, she added, possibly due to the Zika virus or lay-offs in many of the areas UBS serves. People who come home from travels in Zika-infected countries are not allowed to give blood for 28 days after they return, Breaux said. Meanwhile lay-offs mean fewer people can donate at workplaces that host blood drives.
This is the first time in at least two years and probably longer that UBS’ supply has dropped to less than one day.
“We have orders on hold right now,” Breaux said.
Sandi Kilburn, blood bank supervisor at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, said BMH currently has about three days supply of blood, which is adequate. BMH orders donations from UBS every day, and UBS delivers about three or four times per week, Kilburn added.
Breaux urged people to donate blood this week if possible and this month if not. To find the nearest blood drive, go to bloodhero.com and enter a zip code, she said.
Residents in the Columbus area can give blood Wednesday at WCBI-TV from 1-6 p.m. or Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church from 8 a.m.-noon, according to the press release from UBS. The Tupelo donor center will also take donations and is open Monday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Though UBS recommends donors make appointments at www.bloodhero.com, it also welcomes walk-ins.
Sixteen-year-old donors must have signed permission from a parent or guardian to give blood. Donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and have Photo ID. Those who donate will receive a free cholesterol test and points for the “Hero in Me” online rewards store at bloodhero.com.
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