JACKSON — Governor Bryant Joins Mississippi Blood Services with a Blood Drive at the State Capitol

JACKSON, Miss. – Summer time traditionally sees a decline in blood donations, but this year Mississippi is facing a critical need for blood. The shelves at Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) are nearly empty and all blood types are needed. Whole blood donors can donate blood every 56 days and platelet donors can donate every seven days to two weeks; however, red cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets have a shelf life of only five days. The shelf life of both products includes the two-day processing period to ensure it is safe for patient use.

There will be a blood drive at the Mississippi State Capitol on Tuesday, July 24, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The MBS Donor Coach will be parked at the north side of the Capitol Building. Donors will automatically be registered for a chance to win a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck with a 5.7 liter Hemi enginefrom Howard Wilson Chrysler Jeep Dodge in the MBS Road to Life 4 Blood Drive Promotion. All donors will receive a T-shirt.

“Time and again, Mississippians have come to the aid of their neighbors during disasters and emergencies. We have another opportunity to help one another by donating blood,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “I have always believed in giving blood, and with your blood donation on Tuesday, someone will receive a lifeline in their time of need.”

Governor Bryant is scheduled to donate at Tuesday’s blood drive around 1 p.m. (This is subject to change.)

Mississippi Blood Services serves 48 hospitals throughout the state; patients in those hospitals are depending on the blood they need to be there when they need it. Because patients who need blood do not have the luxury of time, Mississippi Blood Services is depending on blood donors like you to roll up your sleeves, make a little time in your busy schedules and give someone else a lifetime.

All donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with signed parental consent—forms available at drive locations and online), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID.

For more information about the upcoming blood drive, call (800) 817-7449. Please visit our Web site at www.msblood.com or call us at (888) 90-BLOOD (902-5663) to make your life-saving donation today. You can also check out our Web site or our Facebook page athttp://www.facebook.com/give2live to find out about upcoming events at Mississippi Blood Services. People live when you give.