Tupelo United Blood Services Needs Donors

TUPELO, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – United Blood Services is calling on area residents to help restore the blood supply following the severe thunderstorm outbreak.

“Threats of the severe thunderstorm outbreak caused Tupelo’s local United Blood Services Donor Center to shut down early on Tuesday, as well as several blood drives, resulting in a loss of blood products”, said Mitzi Breaux, Marketing & Communications Manager with United Blood Services.

“We need the community’s help to recover the blood lost and make sure blood is available for local area patients who need it.”

The blood center at 4326 S. Eason Blvd. will be open Monday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday CLOSED, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sunday CLOSED.

Donors will receive a free cholesterol test.

Those who wish to help may call 662-842-8871 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org to make an appointment to give.

Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments.

Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate at www.UnitedBloodServices.org.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

United Blood Services has been this area’s non-profit community blood provider since 1952, and serves patients in 58 hospitals in Mississippi, West Alabama and Tennessee.