Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Community participation in a Monday [Sept. 26] blood drive at Mississippi State will help replenish much-needed supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims.
The 10 a.m.-3 p.m. collection in Bost Extension Center auditorium is part of the "Bulldogs in Response" program to focus university resources on areas of immediate need, said MSU first lady Pat Lee, who is leading the effort.
"Mississippi State has shown a tremendous outpouring of help to those around the state, and donating blood is something that we can do right here on our own campus," she said.
"We encourage the MSU family and those in the Starkville and Oktibbeha communities who are eligible to donate blood to sign up and make a difference," she added.
Lee said the Starkville Evacuees Response Team is assisting with the drive.
Advance online registration for the approximately hour-long donation process may be completed via www.bloodhero.com and the "schedule a blood donation appointment" link. Paper sign-up sheets also are available at the information desk in the lobby of Mitchell Memorial Library and at the Red Cross Service Center at First United Methodist Church.
Collections made at MSU will be part of United Blood Services' continuing service to those affected both during and after the hurricane, said Susan Morris, director of donor recruitment.
"Many hospitals on the Gulf Coast now are essentially unable to operate," she said. "Hospitals serviced by United Blood Services are providing care to displaced patients, as well as to their normal patient loads."
Morris said the agency's response to Hurricane Katrina has approximately doubled its usual service capacity. In addition those sustaining hurricane-related injuries, UBS has been providing for the needs of injured emergency workers, heart attack victims resulting from extreme stress and those with chronic medical problems.
"We're in this for the long run," she said. "Those donating blood through MSU's on-campus drive will make a tremendous gift to others."
Morris said eligible donor must:
--weigh at least 110 pounds,
--be at least 17 years old, and
--be in overall good health.
Morris said persons planning to donate should "eat well and drink plenty of water in the 24 hours" before arriving at the Bost center.
For more information on the MSU blood drive, telephone Debra Fairbrother at (662) 325-0812.