Register to Save a Life by Participating in MC’s Quarterly Blood Drive March 30-31

Ann Marks donates blood in the MBS donor coach at MC on Jan. 26.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have waned in Mississippi, but the need for blood donors remains at a critical level, according to Mississippi Blood Services representatives.

Mississippi College faculty, staff, and students will have the opportunity to contribute to the state’s supply of life-sustaining blood and blood products by participating in the quarterly MBS Blood Drive from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, March 30-31, in the MBS Donor Coach parked between the B.C. Rogers Student Center and the Quad on the Clinton campus.

Tammy Bouchillon, MBS senior marketing representative, said all whole blood donors who participated in the last MBS Blood Drive at MC Jan. 26-27 will again be eligible to participate in the March 30-31 drive.

“Blood supplies continue to remain dangerously low,” Bouchillon said. “All types are needed. We collected 53 units during the January drive. We hope to collect a minimum of 25 units of blood per day. However, we can accommodate 50 donors per day if properly scheduled.”

Ann Marks, a senior English writing and psychology major from Niles, Michigan, donated blood during the January drive at MC "to give back to the Clinton community." It was the first time she had given blood, and although she admitted to being a little nervous, the MBS staff members helped talk her through the process and kept checking on her. Afterward, Marks said she would definitely recommend that others give blood "because it’s an opportunity to help others."

Valid photo identification is required to donate. All participants should eat before donating and drink plenty of fluids before and after donating. All donors will receive an MBS T-shirt and a complimentary $10 Chick-fil-A gift card.

To avoid overcrowding during donations, participants are asked to make an appointment in advance online. Online scheduling will not be available on the days of the drive, but donors without online appointments will be accepted as soon as openings become available.

“Appointments are encouraged to help us prepare for the number expected and to create a smooth donor flow,” Bouchillon said. “This, in turn, allows us to process more donors more efficiently.”

To shorten the donation time, donors are urged to complete a Donor History Questionnaire online. The questionnaire must be filled out on the day of donation – not before – but is easily accessible from all mobile devices.

The specter of COVID-19 continues to take its toll on blood donations, so Bouchillon encourages potential donors to consider MBS’ policies when deciding whether to give blood.

Individuals who have had a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot are eligible to donate. There is no waiting period.

Individuals who have had COVID-19 and have recovered from the disease may donate if they have been symptom-free for at least 10 days.

Individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but have remained symptom-free for at least 10 days may donate as well.

To register to donate on March 30, click here. To register to donate on March 31, click here.