Blood donors receive Mardi Gras shirt and are entered to win a New Orleans Mardi Gras Ball package

This Mardi Gras season United Blood Services wants to laissez les bons temps rouler with you by asking you to donate blood to help save lives! While you enjoy your la galette des rois (King Cake) and catch many doublons, UBS will be working hard to ensure there is blood for you and your community.
Donors this Mardi Gras season will receive a special Mardi Gras long-sleeve shirt and a chance to reign in Mardi Gras at one of New Orleans’ biggest bal de Mardi Gras: Orpheuscapade Ball hosted by the Krewe of Orpheus. Donors who donate January 18, through February 1, will be entered to win a New Orleans Mardi Gras Ball package: two night hotel stay at the New Orleans Marriot, along with two tickets to attend the Krewe of Orpheus Orpheuscapade Ball featuring special guests Dierks Bentley and Casey James. The Krewe de Orpheus ball is on Monday, February 16, from 7 p.m. - 3 a.m. (Winner will be drawn on February 2.)
Donors have an opportunity to donate this Mardi Gras season:
Wal Mart Ville Platte - January 30, from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
United Blood Services has been experiencing low levels of negative blood types: O-, A- and B-. If you have a negative blood type, we are appealing to you to donate within the next five days. As always, all blood types are needed in order to prevent any other blood type shortages from occurring. Donors are asked to inquire with a United Blood Services staff member regarding qualifications to donate Double Red Cells.
Donors can also go to the Lafayette Center at 1503 Bertrand Drive. The center takes donors seven days a week: Monday - 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday - 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday - 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To make an appointment to donate, go to www.bloodhero.com. Donors can also visit www.unitedbloodservices.org the day of their donation and click on the “Health History Questionnaire.” This allows donors to complete the interview portion of their donation on-line. Make sure to print your “Fast track donation ticket” and bring it with you on the bus to save time, as well as lives
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 of age must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Donors receive a free cholesterol test. A photo ID is required to donate. For more information, call 877-UBSHERO.