United Blood Services is addressing the blood donation shortage this summer by holding two blood drives in Pearl River County next week.
Each summer, the center experiences a 20 percent decline in blood donations, a release from the organization states. But one shortage that people don’t experience during the summer is a desire to go on a vacation.
“The summer time is especially difficult to ensure an adequate blood supply due to heat, traveling, schools being out of session and an increase in blood usage,” United Blood Services Marketing and Communications Manager Mitzi Breaux, said in the release.
To remind residents of the importance of donating blood, the United Blood Services is offering donors a chance to win a $6,000 dream vacation, the release states.
This summer, anyone who donates blood from now through August is automatically entered to win a vacation to the destination of his or her choice. Last year’s winner went to St. Lucia Island in the Caribbean for a week, according to the release. Donors must be 21 or older to qualify for the vacation. Donors will also receive a free T-shirt while supplies last. Donors 16-to 20-years-old will be entered for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card.
The blood drives will be held Aug. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home in Poplarville and Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walmart in Picayune, the release states.
To expedite the process, donors can visit www.unitedbloodservices.org the day of their donation and fill out the Fast Track Health History at home, the release states.