Biloxi VA Medical Center Hosts Blood Drive
BILOXI, Miss. – Despite rain, below average temperatures for January on the Gulf Coast and the ongoing global health crisis, the Biloxi Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center hosted The Blood Center Jan. 25 for a day-long blood drive.
The physically distanced appointment-only blood drive, part of a Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) coordinated effort designed to support communities across the nation facing shortages of blood due to the ongoing global health crisis, was part of a VA-wide action supporting the VA’s ‘Fourth Mission,’ assisting the U.S. health care system in times of disaster. Nearly 50 units were collected during the event, a better than average end result according to event organizer and GCVHCS Administrative Assistant Jennifer Disch.
“Veterans and [GCVHCS] employees have historically donated 25 to 35 units during Biloxi VA Medical Center blood drives,” she said. “The outpouring of support for this potentially life-saving initiative from our staff and our Veterans is very appreciated and is a testament to the close ties we share with our community.”
Founded in 1960, The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives to local hospitals throughout South Louisiana and parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A non-profit, community service organization guided by a volunteer board of trustees, the Blood Center supplies over 50 hospitals and numerous outpatient transfusion facilities in Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi.
Disch added that the blood donation process during the Biloxi VA Medical Center’s efforts with The Blood Center were in keeping with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and both VA and GCVHCS requirements. She said that masks were required, as well as temperature checks and frequent wipe-downs of surfaces.
“We have always ensured that we're protecting our Veterans, their families and our staff by adhering to guidelines and recommendations," Disch said. "Even though procedures might have changed a bit, we're committed to assisting our Veterans and our community. Since a single donation can help up to three people, the reality that this could support an area Veterans who may need blood or blood products exists."
Since the VA’s national blood drive is scheduled from December 2021 through March, 2022, Veterans, their family members and other interested parties are encouraged to visit America’s Blood Centers or the American Red Cross for more information on scheduling appointments at a VA blood drive or blood collection facility.
The GCVHCS, comprised of the Biloxi VA Medical Center; the Joint Ambulatory Care Center (JACC) in Pensacola, Florida, and the Mobile, Alabama, and Eglin and Panama City Beach Community-based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS), provide a variety of health care services to more than 82,000 Veterans.