The University of Mississippi Medical Center is teaming up with other agencies for a major blood drive that is set to begin today in Grenada.
The blood drive began at 11:30 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m. at 1224 Sunset Dr. where MedStat EMS and First Franklin Financial is hosting the event. The blood drive is apart of a three-month drive targeting all residents in Mississippi, but especially donors in the rural communities where blood is routinely in short supply.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Mississippi Center for Emergency Services (MCES) and Mississippi Blood Services, the center that supplies most Mississippi hospitals with safe, voluntarily donated blood and blood components, are asking for the public’s help in making sure Mississippians most in need receive that life-saving care through the “You Give It, We Bring It” blood drive.
The goal is 580 units of donated blood, and “we’re sitting on about 125,” Dr. Damon Darsey, professor of emergency medicine and MCES medical director, said. “We want to bring awareness to the need for blood in Mississippi’s rural areas. We need Mississippians to come out and donate during this special drive.”
Every year, UMMC ‘s AirCare medical helicopter transport infuses more than 425 units of blood to critically ill or injured people, many victims of traumatic accidents in the state’s rural corners. AirCare is part of MCES.
Walk-ins are always welcome at MBS drives and donors will receive a “You Give It – We Bring It” T-shirt.
“Maintaining a healthy blood supply is crucial to Mississippi patients’ welfare,” Tammy Walters, MBS marketing representative and team leader, concluded. “By donating blood, you ensure that this vital resource is available when you need it.”
