News Summary
Mississippi Blood Services has issued an urgent call for platelet donations due to a critical shortage impacting cancer patients and trauma victims. The organization highlights that each platelet donation can significantly aid those in need of lifesaving transfusions. To encourage participation, MBS is offering a $50 Visa gift card as a token of appreciation. Potential donors can visit designated locations or call to make an appointment, emphasizing the vital role of local contributions in meeting the blood needs within Mississippi.
Flowood, Mississippi – Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) has made an urgent plea for platelet donations as the organization faces a critical shortage. The lack of available platelets poses a risk to healthcare providers who rely on these donations for treating cancer patients, trauma victims, and others requiring lifesaving transfusions. In response to this pressing need, MBS is offering a $50 Visa gift card as a token of appreciation to all individuals who participate in platelet donation.
According to an MBS spokesperson, the organization is actively addressing a situation they describe as a “serious shortage.” Each platelet donation is crucial, as it can significantly aid those experiencing medical emergencies or undergoing treatment. With cancer and traumatic injuries leading to a heightened demand for blood products, the need for platelet donations is more significant than ever.
Potential donors can contribute by visiting any of the following Mississippi Blood Services locations:
- Flowood: 115 Tree Street, Flowood, MS 39232
- Oxford: 2627 West Oxford Loop #C, Oxford, MS 38655
- Cleveland: 609 North Davis Avenue, Suite 101B, Cleveland, MS 38732
Individuals interested in donating can arrange appointments by calling 601-368-2673 or visiting the MBS website at msblood.com. MBS emphasizes the importance of supporting local blood needs, explaining that contributions directly assist patients within the state of Mississippi.
BLOOD DONATIONS ARE VITAL
Platelet donations are essential for a range of medical procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency transfusions due to serious injuries or accidents. Each year, only about 3% of age-eligible individuals in the nation donate blood, which creates a sustained demand for such donations. As a result, blood banks continuously seek new participants to ensure an adequate supply of blood products for hospitals and medical facilities.
Current guidelines stipulate that individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 can still donate blood as long as they exhibit no symptoms, provided they can identify the vaccine’s manufacturer. Approved vaccines include those from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer-BioNTech. For donors who cannot specify their vaccine manufacturer, a waiting period of two weeks is necessary before they are eligible to donate.
A typical blood donation comprises approximately 10% of an individual’s total blood volume, but the body quickly replenishes this amount. While whole blood donations are critical, platelet donations require a specialized machine and generally take about three hours to complete. The process also involves separating plasma from blood cells using a centrifuge during plasma donations. In addition, it is noteworthy that while convalescent plasma therapy utilizing antibodies from past COVID-19 infections has received FDA approval, therapies using antibodies derived from vaccinations remain unapproved.
To be eligible for platelet donations, individuals must be at least 17 years old. Certain health conditions may disqualify potential donors from participating, so it is essential for those unsure of their health status to consult with their healthcare provider or local blood donation center prior to making an appointment.
With a critical shortage of platelets, Mississippi Blood Services continues to urge community members to consider donating. Every donation makes an impactful difference, helping to save lives and ensuring that vital medical treatments are available for those in need in Mississippi.
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Additional Resources
- Dark Horse Press Now: Mississippi Blood Services Issues Urgent Call for Platelet Donations
- Wikipedia: Blood Donation
- WLBT: MS Blood Services Mother’s Day Giveaway
- Google Search: Blood donation importance
- WILX: American Red Cross Opens New Blood Platelet Donation Center
- Google Scholar: Blood platelet donation
- Meridian Star: Sheriff’s Dept Hosts Blood Drive Tuesday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blood Donation
- WebMD: Donate Blood After COVID-19 Vaccine
- Google News: Importance of platelet donation
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
