Heading into the holiday season, Vitalant is asking donors to donate now to ensure blood is ready to serve patients when it is needed. This time of year, blood donations decrease by over 20 percent while blood usage goes up due to increased travel and other accidents. Vitalant relies on donors to donate regularly, especially during the holiday season when donations are vital. Blood is needed every 2 seconds in the United States and the need stays constant regardless of any holiday.
All blood types are needed especially type O and platelet donations.
The first 30 donors each day at the Hattiesburg donation center located at 805 S. 28th Avenue on Nov. 25, Nov. 26 or Nov. 27 will receive a nine-inch pecan or sweet potato pie from Jody’s Bakery. Pies are distributed on a first come, first served basis and are while supplies last.
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. It’s at vitalant.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 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
For more information and to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 (877-25VITAL). Join the conversation about impacting the lives of others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.