Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). To help ensure an adequate blood supply, Mississippi Blood Services has joined with AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) to stress the importance of donating blood.

Coast Electric Power Association will hold a blood drive on Thursday, January 11. The blood drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All donors will receive a T-shirt.

All donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID.

“Join other volunteer blood donors in their efforts to save lives by donating at this drive,” said Kelly Scrivner, MBS Communications and Public Relations Manager. “Donating blood is a simple and safe way to save lives in your community.”

Mississippi Blood Services offers a “mini physical” before each donation to ensure the donation process is safe for the donor as well as the recipient.

Mississippi Blood Services ensures that donating blood is SAFE, SIMPLE and SAVES LIVES. For more information, contact (800) 817-7449.

Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) was founded in 1979. MBS is the only FDA licensed blood center headquartered in Mississippi. MBS supplies a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products to Mississippi hospitals from the Tennessee line to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.