United Blood Services issues emergency public appeal for donors of all types

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Plummeting blood donations since Memorial Day holiday has forced United Blood Services (UBS) to issue an emergency appeal for all blood types, especially all Rh negative types: A-negative, B-negative, AB-negative and O-negative.

As the community blood provider for this area and stewards of the community blood supply, maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is imperative said UBS.

Hattiesburg United Blood Services representative, Katie Martin said, "This is the highest level of appeal that we have. It is something that is going on nation wide."

Reserves of blood are depleted to a less than one day supply on the shelves. UBS said it takes 24 to 36 hours to test and process each donation before it can be released for a patient, blood is being transfused as fast as United Blood Services can provide it to hospitals.

Local blood donator Ethan Davis, 20, told FOX 23, "It costs so little for anyone to do it and it helps saves lives...you can give the gift of life to someone."

“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, Marketing and Communications Manager, United Blood Services.

“If you are eligible to donate, please give now!” Breaux said.

The following is a list of local blood drives for the month of July:

Wednesday, July 6- Midway Baptist Church- 4p.m. to 8p.m. in the bloodmobile (77 Midway Church Road, Sumrall, MS)

Thursday, July 7- Richton Library- 10a.m to 4p.m. - In the Bloodmobile at the Library (210 Front Street, Richton, MS)

Thursday, July 7- St. Stephens Episcopal Church- 2:30p.m. to 6:30p.m.- In the Parish Hall- (1300 Church Street, Columbia, MS)

Thursday, July 7- Manheim Mississippi- 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m.- In the Bloodmobile (7510 Highway 49 North, Hattiesburg, MS)

Friday, July 8- CSpire- 12:00p.m. to 3:30p.m. In the Bloodmobile (1001 Highway 98 Bypass, Columbia, MS)

Saturday, July 9- Summer Jam- 9a.m. to 2p.m.- Bloodmobile at Highland Baptist Church (2513 North 7th Avenue, Laurel, MS)

Donors can also visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org the day of their donation and click on the “Health History Questionnaire”. This allows donors to complete the interview portion of their donation online, in the privacy of their home or office. Make sure to print your “Fast track donation ticket” and bring it with you to your donation.