Mobile blood drive Tuesday to address critical shortage

Published 11:03 am Monday, August 31, 2020

Mississippi Blood Services will conduct a mobile blood drive at Petsense in Brookhaven Tuesday, from Noon until 6 p.m.

Statewide, a blood shortage exists at blood banks and hospitals, according to MBS. The most recent data available shows a critical need for A-positive and A-negative blood types, and a severe shortage of B and O blood types, both positive and negative, and platelets.

Shortages are due, in part, to recent needs from storms.

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Those who complete a successful donation at Tuesday’s mobile drive will also have the opportunity to have a free antibody test performed, with no additional blood draw. The test, valued at $300, is available at select donation locations through Sept. 30.

This is not a test for current coronavirus infection, but for antibodies to the virus. Test results will be emailed to the donor within one week of the donation, and will not be submitted to any other agency.

To find out more about antibody testing or to schedule an appointment to donate, visit msblood.com.