Mississippi Blood Services, along with the Blood Centers of America, is asking donors to come in, roll up their sleeves and help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The blood centers in South Texas have taken a serious hit at a time when blood supplies were already critically low.

The Blood Centers of America is asking all members to help fill this demand.

“When catastrophes strike, people often feel helpless,” Merle Eldridge, MBS Director of Marketing, said. “But there is something we can do, we can donate blood. Giving blood is not just a positive action; it provides a vital resource to those in dire need of it.”

Mississippi Blood Services will be holding a community blood drive with Americorps in Vicksburg on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The MBS Donor Coach will be at Americorps.

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent, visit our Web site for a copy of the form), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID. Visit msblood.com or call (888) 90-BLOOD (902-5663) for information.