JACKSON, Miss.—At Methodist Rehabilitation Center the spirit of giving will be more evident than ever this holiday season as hospital staff line up to donate blood. Typically blood supplies fall during the holidays as people spend more time shopping or traveling and forget to donate.

“In recent months our employees have turned out in large numbers to help replenish depleted blood supplies,” said Mark Adams, president and CEO of Methodist Rehab. “We all know this time of year can be pretty hectic, so we want to remind them to donate blood and give them the opportunity to do so at work.”

The Methodist Rehab blood drive is set for Monday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital’s second floor conference center. All types of blood are currently in demand and donors from the adjacent University of Mississippi Medical Center are also encouraged to participate in the drive.

“At this time of year it is critical that businesses and organizations step forward as Methodist is doing to help us avoid shortages that could put lives in danger,” said Dani Edmonson, public relations manager at Mississippi Blood Services. “We especially appreciate efforts like this during the holidays."

Other factors that have caused shortages in recent months include new rules that prevent donations from Americans who have lived overseas.

“We need to do everything we can to ensure that there is an adequate blood supply during the holidays,” said Methodist Rehab medical director Dr. Rahul Vohra. “We’re asking everyone to come out and roll up their sleeves to help the cause.”

For Thursday’s blood drive, organizers ask that all donors bring identification. Those donating blood will receive a free t-shirt.

For more information:
Methodist Rehab staff members giving gift of blood for holidays | The Clarion-Ledger