Mississippi Blood Services will be holding a community blood drive in Vicksburg on Monday, Sept. 25, from 12 – 6 p.m. to help those being affected by Hurricane Irma. The MBS Donor Coach will be at Kroger, located at 3405 Pemberton Square Blvd. in Vicksburg.

“Having blood on the shelves is a crucial element in being prepared for a cataclysmic event,” Merle Eldridge, MBS Director of Public Relations and Marketing, said. “Whether it is in preparation of a natural disaster that impacts many, or an accident victim that impacts a family, blood donors provide the greatest gift of all before it’s needed—the gift of life.”

As with Hurricane Harvey, Mississippi Blood Services will be working with other blood centers to help provide blood to the victims of Irma.

Mississippians are no strangers to disaster.

“We know the devastation a hurricane can bring,” Eldridge said. “We know communities impacted by this disaster are relying on others to help them recover. We also know that one of the best ways to overcome a disaster is to be prepared before it hits.”

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent, visit our Web site for a copy of the form), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID. Visit us at msblood.com or call us at (888) 90-BLOOD (902-5663) for information. You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/give2live and follow MSbloodservices on Twitter. Download the FREE MBS app to find a blood drive near you.