Blood donations encouraged during holiday season

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November 18, 2009

Anonymous The Meridian Star Wed Nov 18, 2009, 11:33 PM CST

from staff reports

Keeping blood supplies at safe and adequate levels during the holiday season is essential and according to United Blood Services there are some types currently at critical levels.

With blood expiring every 42 days and platelets expiring every five days, now is the time to schedule your donation.

"O Negative stock is low right now. We're short about 80 units of O negative blood region wide," said Heather Knight, United Blood Services spokesperson.

O negative blood is the universal donor, which means any blood type can accept this type of blood. When a patient is bleeding out and needs blood on the spot, many times O negative is pulled from the shelves and transfused into the patient.

United Blood Services operates mobile blood drives and in-center locations seven days a week to make it easy for donors to donate blood

especially during the busy holiday season.

"We want people to remember there are patients in the hospital needing blood, platelet or plasma transfusions every day. We need donors to give to help meet these needs," said Knight. "llnesses, accidents and diseases don't take a holiday and neither can blood donations."

Blood bank officials also say the need for weekend platelet donors continue to increase.

"When a donor comes in to donate, we will work with that donor based on their blood type and the specific patient needs that day. We want to make sure each donation is maximized and used efficiently and effectively," said Knight.

To encourage donations, United Blood Services is currently promoting the "Hunting for Donors" initiative where all donors who donate at an in-center location or mobile blood drive through the end of November will be entered into a drawing to win a three day all-inclusive hunting trip to Bent Creek Lodge in West Alabama and a three-day guided spring turkey hunt at the Good Ole Boys Hunters Association in Red Lick, Miss.

Also during Thanksgiving week Nov. 23-29, United Blood Services is teaming with Country Music Superstar Martina McBride to "SHINE" on donors who give during the holiday season. Donors giving during Thanksgiving week will receive a special edition customized apron autographed by Martina McBride with a personal message of gratitude, as well as two of her favorite family recipes.

"I can not think of a better way to start the holiday season than by giving the gift of life," said Knight.

To schedule an appointment, visit bloodhero.com or call (601) 482-2482. United Blood Services is located at 1115 25th Ave. in Meridian and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

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