In the summer, the number of people who donate blood drops off, but the need for blood — for transfusions, for victims of shootings and accidents, for people with blood disorders — remains critical.
To combat that problem, Mississippi Blood Services, the state’s primary blood donation organizer, is giving away $1,000 every week to someone who makes a donation at one of their drives.
On Tuesday, MBS’s “Save Our Summer” program will come to Greenwood’s Wal-Mart and volunteers who donate blood, either regular donors or those donating for the first time, will be entered into a drawing for the fifth week’s prize of $1,000.
The giveaway is MBS’s strategy to keep people donating during the summer months.
“Historically, in the summer, we’ve given away a vehicle in our ‘Road to Life’ program,” said Emily Austin, marketing and communications manager for Mississippi Blood Services.
“This year, for 12 weeks, every Monday morning, we come in and pull all the donors from the week before and draw the name of one.”
A woman in Utica, a man in Vicksburg, and Mississippians from Brandon and McComb have been winners over the first four weeks.
“The man from Brandon had donated platelets 99 times,” Austin said.
“For one of them, this was the first time they’ve donated blood.”
The goal of these community drives, and the organization, is for people to experience giving blood once — to understand the importance of the gift they’re giving and, as a result, make donating a lifelong habit.
A blue or white donor coach, a large bus-sized recreational vehicle, will be parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to take donations.
Donors must be at least 16 years old, and 16-year-olds must have signed parental consent. All donors should weigh at least 110 pounds and must present a valid ID.
“A driver’s license, a library card, a school ID or a club membership card will do,” Austin said.
Donors will receive a T-shirt and a gift card for as long as supplies last.
Those concerned about giving blood at the height of summer when heat and the potential for heat exhaustion are great should heed the same advice Austin and the MBS staff give everyone who donates.
“The most important thing to do prior to and post-donation is to hydrate,” Austin said. “Drink water, not caffeinated drinks.”
After donating, it’s advised to stay out of the sun for the afternoon and to avoid strenuous physical activity for the next 24 hours.
“Don’t go straight home and mow your grass,” Austin said. “Your body is working to regenerate those red blood cells.”
A donation of one unit of blood is a little less than a pint, and with proper hydration it is regenerated by the body in a short time.
Mississippi Blood Services estimates that one donation of a pint of blood can save the lives of three people, and 96 percent of Americans will need blood at some time in their lives by the time they are 72 years old.
Austin said giving blood for the first time is the best way to get over any anxiety or fear of donating. “Use saving a life as an excuse for coming out, donating blood and taking it easy for the rest of the afternoon.”
nContact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
COMING UP
What: “Save Our Summer,” a community blood drive sponsored by Mississippi Blood Services
When: Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Wal-Mart parking lot, Greenwood, in the blue or white donor coach, a large bus/recreational vehicle
Other: Donors will receive a T-shirt and gift card (while supplies last) and will be registered for a chance to win $1,000. Donors must be 16 (signed parental consent required) or older, must weigh at least 110 and have a valid ID.
