United Blood Services and The W will hold a blood drive on Feb. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the bloodmobile at Hogarth Student Union.

Donors will receive a special T-shirt. Those wishing to give blood are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to avoid waiting. They may call or text 662-321-9988 or visit bloodhero.com, then click on “Locate a blood drive.”

United Blood Services provides blood for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus, OCH in Starkville, all North Mississippi Medical Center hospitals and most hospitals in Northeast Mississippi and Northwest Alabama.

To complete the interview portion of their donation online, in the privacy of their home or office, donors may visit www.unitedbloodservices.org on the day of their donation and click on the “Health History Questionnaire.” Donors can then print their Fast Track donation ticket and bring it to their donation.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 years old must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. The 16-year-old donor permit form can be found at www.unitedbloodservices.org. Donors receive a free cholesterol test. Donors also earn points in our “Hero in Me” online rewards store. Points can be redeemed for movie tickets, pizza, shopping cards and more at www.bloodhero.com. A photo ID is required to donate. For more information, call Caroline Pugh at United Blood Services at 662-321-9988.