Vitalant, FOX23, myTV23 prepare for 2019 M*A*S*H Bash blood drive

FOX23 and myTV23 join Vitalant, formerly known as United Blood Services, for the inaugural M*A*S*H Bash blood drive.

The M*A*S*H Bash is "a fun, nostalgic event where the Hattiesburg community comes together to help secure the blood supply during the holiday season, a time when blood donations decline by over 20 percent. Your blood donation will help ensure that blood is available for patients as soon as it’s needed, so they can go home to their family," Vitalant said in a statement.

The M*A*S*H Bash blood drive takes place on December 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vitalant donation center, located at 805 South 28th Avenue in Hattiesburg.

Donors will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last, and entry to win prizes including a $500 gift card.

Blood donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors age 22 and younger. Donors who are 16 or 17 years of age must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Visit www.vitalant.org or call, toll-free, 1-877-25-VITAL to make your appointment online.

Back-to-back episodes of "M*A*S*H" from the MeTV network can be seen weeknights at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on myTV23, seen locally on WHPM channel 23.3 and Comcast channel 218.