WOODVILLE — A shortage of blood types in Wilkinson County has led to an emergency blood drive.

The United Blood Services has asked Wilkinson County Cattlemen’s Association to sponsor an emergency blood drive on Feb. 20 at the J.R. Hamilton Extension Building on 982 Second South St. in Woodville from noon to 5:30 p.m.

“Once a year, the association sponsors an annual blood drive,” said Wilkinson County Extension secretary Dawn Thurman. “A while back in December, one of our Cattlemen members needed blood and the United Blood Services worked with us to have a replenishment blood drive for our members.

“But now the supply of blood is low and that’s the reason behind this blood drive.”

The Wilkinson County Cattlemen’s Association hosted a replenishment blood drive for their members in December 2014, however, they are looking to gather more blood throughout the region.

United Blood Services donor recruitment representative Bridget Logan reported 45 units of blood were collected at Wilkinson County High School in December, while the replenishment drive for a cattlemen member collected 28 units.

With December’s successful drive, Wilkinson County Cattlemen officer Mary Rosenblatt thinks this emergency drive will generate a good turnout and help those in need.

“This is at the request of the United Blood Services,” Rosenblatt said. “The ability of the local donors, both students and adults, to exceed the goals set for the drives has led the donor recruitment staff to ask this community to help in this emergency situation.”

The blood drive will support those in the area of Woodville and Natchez who are in need of blood to treat leukemia and other heath problems, Rosenblatt said.

To schedule an appointment, call 601-888-3211 or visit unitedbloodservices.com.

Donor health history can be completed on-line the day of the blood drive. The Wilkinson County Cattlemen’s Association will serve beef brisket barbecue sandwiches, drinks and snacks to all donors.