The United Blood Services Bloodmobile will visit three locations in Starkville this month to collect blood for those in need.
According to a statement released by Mississippi Blood Services, its blood supply inventory is at a crisis level, after a dramatic decrease in donors due to the weather and the holidays.
In December, MBS had 25 percent less donors than expected, which is approximately 1,000 units short of what is needed.
The Bloodmobile will be at the Barnes and Noble MSU Bookstore, located at 75 B.S. Hood Dr., from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Jan. 12; Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 607 Hospital Rd., from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Jan 14; and Kirby Building Systems, located at 101 Airport Rd., from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18.
Member and blood drive organizer for Trinity Presbyterian Church Joan Mylroie said the church has hosted a blood drive two times per year, for the last thirty years.
Mylroie said she helps organize the church’s blood drives every year and encourages volunteers to give blood because it is a cause that is close to her heart.
“I know people my children’s age who have had to get blood because of surgery, or they have hemophilia,” Mylroie said. “So, I know how important it is for people to give blood.”
Because of the crisis blood supply level, Mylroie said, elective surgeries are being postponed so blood can be conserved for emergencies only.
Donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year olds must have signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID.
To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.bloodhero.com and enter desired blood donation location in the sponsor field, or call Mylroie at (662) 324- 1272 for appointments at Trinity Presbyterian
Church.