The state’s blood supply has once again reached a dangerous lowpoint, alarming blood suppliers because of the need that usuallyaccompanies the holiday season.

“There is an increased demand around this time of the yearbecause of auto accidents and people wanting to get electivesurgeries over before Christmas,” said Larry Bouchea of MississippiBlood Services. “People tend to get busy during the holidays, sofewer people are donating and more people are in need ofblood.”

Lincoln County residents can help bring the state’s blood supplyback to a safe level by donating blood during several drivesplanned over the next few weeks.

The blood mobile will be at King’s Daughters Medical Centerevery second and fourth Monday, beginning today, from 1 to 6 p.m.The blood mobile will also be at Wal-Mart Distribution CenterTuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.

“We hope a lot of people will turn out and give one of thegreatest gifts of the holiday season: the gift of life,” saidBouchea. “It is truly a miracle in itself, and this is the seasonof miracles.”

One pint of blood can be used to save the lives of up to fourpeople, Bouchea pointed out. The blood can be used for numerousbeneficial purposes including surgeries, trauma situations and tohelp leukemia treatments.

Blood donors have the opportunity to save lives and improvetheir own health. Recent studies have shown that blood donors’ riskof heart attack is 85 percent less than that of non-donors.

The risk of certain types of cancer can also be reduced bydonating blood regularly because it decreases the amount of ironstored in the body.

Blood donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh atleast 110 pounds and bring identification to donate blood.

Civic groups, churches or businesses interested in sponsoring ablood drive, should contact Mississippi Blood Services at981-3232.

“A blood drive can also be used as a community service for boyscouts and girl scouts,” said Bouchea.