For 47 years, Mississippi Blood Services has anchored the state’s emergency medical infrastructure through cycles of shortage and steady demand, relying on a daily rhythm of local contributions to stock regional hospital shelves.
Operating since November 14, 1979, the organization announced a weeklong anniversary campaign running from November 10 through November 14, 2026, across its Flowood and Oxford donor centers, according to msblood.com.
The operational reality behind the celebration remains demanding. Mississippi Blood Services needs approximately 250 whole blood donations and 60 platelet donations every single day to maintain adequate supplies for patients throughout the state, msblood.com reported.
To meet those daily thresholds during the milestone week, organizers are offering incentives at the Flowood facility at 115 Tree Street and the Oxford location at 2627 West Oxford Loop, Suite C. Donors rolling up their sleeves at either center will receive a limited-edition black “Give Blood. Keep Life Going.” 47th anniversary T-shirt while supplies last, alongside options to inquire about a $50 Visa gift card depending on eligibility and promotion type.
The anniversary schedule incorporates targeted community events designed to draw different segments of the local population. Wednesday, November 11, marks Veterans Day, where former service members visiting the Flowood or Oxford locations will receive a commemorative coin, and donors can give in honor of a veteran. On Friday, November 13, the Flowood center will host a live radio remote with US 96.3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beyond immediate clinic visits, the organization is running mobile blood drives throughout November to distribute T-shirts across participating communities. Donors who give blood between November 9 and December 18, 2026, are automatically entered into a partnership giveaway with Woods Equipment for a 2026 Kandi Element golf cart featuring lithium batteries and a touchscreen display, with a winner announced on December 21, 2026.
Simultaneously, Mississippi Blood Services is running its Give for Good Canned Food Drive from November 1 to November 21 in partnership with the Mississippi Food Network. Having provided 480 meals through community contributions last year, organizers have set a target of 600 meals for local families this holiday season, welcoming nonperishable donations from visitors regardless of whether they donate blood.
