Mississippi tornadoes lead to critical shortage of blood

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - Officials say tornado damage in south Mississippi has exacerbated shortages for local blood donations centers.

Rhonda Weaver of United Blood Services in Tupelo is urging people to donate blood they are eligible.

Weaver tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (https://bit.ly/2kBcZa9 ) that both O-positive and O-negative blood types are critically needed, but the center needs as many donors as possible.

Gov. Phil Bryant said this week that President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration for four Mississippi counties following tornadoes Saturday. One twister carved a 31-mile path across south Mississippi, killing four people.

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Information from: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, https://djournal.com