JACKSON, Miss.—In response to record blood shortages and a statewide appeal from the governor, Methodist Rehabilitation Center is holding a blood drive Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jackson hospital’s second floor conference center.
Methodist Rehab and University of Mississippi Medical Center employees are encouraged to participate in the drive which is also open to the public. All types of blood are currently in demand, say Mississippi Blood Services officials.
“We need to do everything we can to eliminate this shortage,” said Methodist Rehab medical director Dr. Rahul Vohra. “We’re asking everyone to come out and roll up their sleeves to help the cause.”
Hospitals like Methodist Rehab often see an increase in traumatic injuries during the summer months when people are spending more time outdoors and children are out of school and aren’t supervised as much.
“We are well below where we need to be,” said Peter Hayes, a marketing representative for Mississippi Blood Services. “With this kind of shortage and the governor’s appeal, we need to all work together so there will be enough blood in case of emergencies.”
Other factors have caused the shortage to spike including new rules that prevent donations from Americans who have lived overseas.
For Thursday’s blood drive, organizers ask that all donors bring identification. Those donating blood will receive a free t-shirt.