UBS encouraging residents to donate blood, Texas centers temporarily closed

HATTIESBURG, MS. - The United Blood Service (UBS) center in Hattiesburg is encouraging residents to donate blood after the massive hurricane that recently hit Texas.

According to UBS communities in the path of Tropical Storm Harvey have cancelled blood drives and closed donor centers.

Patients in areas impacted by the storm will need blood says UBS Representative Katie Martin.

Blood centers across the country are working together to help Texas. United Blood Services urges both existing and first-time donors to make and keep appointments over the next several days and in the coming weeks.

UBS says Type O blood donations are the most critically needed at this time, however all blood types are welcome.

“UBS is a part of blood systems that operates in multi-states, and one of those states is Texas" says Martin.

She continues, "We have had several cancellations due to that flooding from hurricane Harvey, so that area is reaching out to us as part of that blood systems family, to make sure that blood is available for patients in that area, as this event continues to unfold.”

Martin says September is historically low for donations because of the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

Visit www.bloodhero.com or call 877-827-4376 to schedule an appointment at the donor center, located at 805 S. 28th Avenue in Hattiesburg, or at a mobile blood drive. Walk-ins are welcome at any of the locations.