Mississippi Blood Services helps with the National blood shortage

With the U.S. experiencing a “National Blood Crisis” during what the American Red Cross says is the worst blood shortage in over a decade. Blood Services in The Queen City are doing their best to help with the problem.

Ever since the summer when COVID cases were rapidly rising blood donors have shied away from blood drives. Currently, there is a Nationwide blood shortage taking place. And Mississippi Blood Services couldn’t have come at a better time here at total pain care to host a blood drive today.

Leah Reed the Marketing Director at Total Pain Care said," So we just had a community member that took notice that there was a very urgent need for blood and platelets in our community. It's a national issue right now due to covid, but our community is in need."

The Red Cross reported a 10% decline nationwide in the number of people donating blood. So blood drives are needed more now than ever.

"Some patients are dealing with cancer, other illnesses that require blood to get through their treatments, and even car accidents and other accidents that one of our family members might be in a situation where they need blood and it is not readily available at this moment," stated Reed.

We hear from one of the donors today on what brought them out today and the importance of donating.

Blood Donor Gabrielle Boone had this to say, "So we are here to donate me specifically because there's a need in our community. I know at the covid shortage or the covid, it's kept families and people that are willing to donate inside. So I'm here to encourage others to help with this need."

The Mississippi Blood Services says they want to do their part to help with the blood shortage and encourages those who can donate to do so.

"We are hoping this is going to be something that goes on throughout the month of February," said Reed.

Willie Reynolds the Mobile Supervisor stated, "We have one every day. We are somewhere every day, actually. This is me and my group. This is our long week. So we'll be somewhere tomorrow, which will be in Jackson, and then the next day I think we'll be in Borrow."