Red Cross fights nationwide blood shortage through Media for Red Cross blood drives

While many families are hitting the road and enjoying summer activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the community that the need for blood never takes a vacation.

Here on the Coast, the annual Media for Red Cross Blood Drive will take place every day this week through Friday with multiple donation sites across South Mississippi.

Every donation can help support patients facing surgeries, cancer treatments, traumatic injuries, and other medical emergencies where blood is critical.

We spoke with one of the Red Cross volunteers at the Randolph Center in Pass Christian about the significance of this drive. Volunteer Kevin Moore said, “Every pint gets used. We have two types, whole blood and power red. Power red helps 12 babies and it gets used. One good thing about when you donate is you get a text saying your blood has been used in some hospital in some state. It’s very fulfilling. We also need volunteers. So Red Cross sign up for blood or sign up to volunteer because it’s very rewarding.”

Here’s a look at Tuesday’s drives:

• Central Bible Church in Hancock County from noon until 4:30 p.m.
• The King’s Kitchen Hall in Bay St. Louis from noon to 4:30 p.m.
• Edgewater Mall in Biloxi from noon to 6 p.m.

On Wednesday:

• Edgewater Mall in Biloxi from 12 to 6 p.m.
• Ocean Springs Civic Center from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Thursday:

• The Pascagoula Senior Center from 1 to 6 p.m.

On Friday:

• The Shuckers will hold a blood drive at Memorial Hospital in the Harville Room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mandal Buick GMC in D’Iberville from 12 to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit redcrossblood.org.