FLOWOOD, Mississippi — Mississippi Blood Services on Tuesday called for immediate platelet donors after inventory dropped to critically low levels, saying it needs to collect at least 40 platelet donations daily to meet partner hospitals’ needs statewide.
Platelets help control bleeding and support patients undergoing cancer treatment, major surgery and emergency care, officials said. Platelet products also are vital for sickle cell patients, and they expire within five days of donation, making a steady donor base essential, Kasey Dickson, the organization’s director of marketing and public relations, said.
“We need to collect 40 or more platelet donations daily to adequately supply our local hospital partners,” Dickson said. She said shortages can delay lifesaving treatments and critical surgeries.
Mississippi Blood Services is accepting donations at centers in Flowood, Cleveland and Oxford. The Flowood center at 115 Tree St. offers weekday and weekend hours, including Sunday appointments for platelet donations only. Donors will receive a $50 Visa gift card, and appointments can be made online or by phone; walk-ins are also welcome. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
