Mississippi Blood Services is calling on its loyal donors as well as new donors to fill the need for blood donations throughout the state.

“There is a critical need for blood,” said MBS spokesman Susan Ates. “Summer time traditionally sees a drop in blood donations and it has been worse than normal in 2016.”

Ates said there has been a steep decline in donations and the blood reserves are looking thin.

“In order to cover the requirements of patients suffering from trauma, serious illness and major surgery, blood needs to be available prior to their need,” she said.

She said MBS is experiencing “an extremely low inventory” and they’re asking donors to “come in and roll up their sleeves to help boost the blood supply.”

Ates said they need all blood types and that people can donate whole blood, double red cells and platelets.

MBS technicians will be at the Brookhaven Draw Station at King’s Daughters Medical Center on Monday from 1 to 6 p.m.

“Mississippi Blood Services has a long standing relationship with King’s Daughters in Brookhaven,” she said. “The MBS Donor Coach is on site every second and fourth Monday of the month, from 1 to 6 p.m.”

Ates said MBS is honored to serve Brookhaven. “We have thousands of loyal donors in the Lincoln County area,” she said. “We know we can depend on them and we need their support during this shortage.”

She encourages first-time donors try to give. “We are also encouraging those who have never donated before to consider doing so,” she said. “Donating blood is simple and safe and its impact is felt long after the juice and cookies are gone. Just ask the many patients who are alive and well today because blood was available when they needed it.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID. For more information, visit msblood.com, Facebook at Give2Live or Twitter at Msbloodservices or call 888-90-BLOOD (902-5663). You can also visit our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/give2live and follow MSbloodservices on Twitter. To keep up with donor opportunities, download the free MBS App to phone or tablet.