JACKSON — Mississippi Blood Services is urging people to donate platelets to help hospitals treat patients who need specialized care, the organization said Thursday.
Mississippi Blood Services said platelet donations provide critical support for cancer patients, trauma victims and others undergoing surgery or complex medical treatment. Donors who give platelets will receive a $50 Visa gift card, the agency said.
Platelet donations are collected by apheresis and generally take longer than a whole-blood donation. Platelets have a short shelf life, which makes regular donations important to maintaining hospital supplies, health experts say.
Mississippi Blood Services accepts platelet donations at centers in Flowood, Cleveland and Oxford. The Flowood donor center is at 115 Tree St.; the Cleveland center is at 609 N. Davis Ave., Suite 101B; and the Oxford center is at 2627 W. Oxford Loop, Suite C. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
