Mississippi Blood Services Seeks Urgent Platelet Donors

Nonprofit offers limited-edition T-shirts and gift card prizes to encourage donations.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Mississippi Blood Services is urgently appealing to residents to donate platelets, citing a critical need. The nonprofit is offering incentives like limited-edition Valentine's Day T-shirts and a chance to win Visa gift cards to encourage donations between February 1-28.

Why it matters

Platelet donations are crucial for supporting cancer patients, trauma victims, and others with medical conditions that require frequent transfusions. Mississippi Blood Services' urgent call highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining a stable supply of this essential blood component.

The details

Mississippi Blood Services has donation centers in Flowood, Cleveland, and Oxford. The organization is urging residents to donate platelets between February 9-14 to receive a special Valentine's Day T-shirt designed by local artist Marshall Ramsey. Donors who give blood anytime in February will also be automatically entered to win one of three Visa gift card prizes, including a $1,000 grand prize.

  • The urgent call for platelet donors began on February 9, 2026.
  • The limited-edition T-shirt promotion runs from February 9-14, 2026.
  • The February donor giveaway for Visa gift cards is valid from February 1-28, 2026.

The players

Mississippi Blood Services

A nonprofit organization that collects and distributes blood and blood products to hospitals and medical facilities across Mississippi.

Marshall Ramsey

A local artist who designed the limited-edition Valentine's Day T-shirt for Mississippi Blood Services.

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The takeaway

Mississippi Blood Services' urgent call for platelet donors underscores the vital and ongoing need for this essential blood component. By offering incentives and making donation easy, the nonprofit hopes to boost participation and ensure a stable supply for those who rely on regular platelet transfusions.