It’s a sometimes worn-out clich/, but one that can carry so much meaning – "Give the gift that keeps on giving."

Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital and United Blood Services, the hospital’s primary blood supplier, want residents to know that even though Christmas has come and gone, it’s not too late to give the gift of life.

Morris said the need for blood donations rises during the holidays because of an increase in traffic on the roadways and an increased risk of people drinking and driving.

Morris said blood drives prior to a holiday are important because the blood needs to be on the shelves before an incident.

Crissy Brooker, public relations coordinator for Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital, said all blood types are needed, but particularly the two most rare.

Morris said giving blood is something that a person can do that can make a difference in not one, but three lives.

United Blood Services, based locally in Meridian, Miss., is the primary blood supplier for not only BWWMH, but also Hale County Hospital in Greensboro and the Eutaw hospital, meaning blood collected at these local drives remains in the community.

However, that does not mean that patients only have access to local blood. Because United Blood Services is a national group, it has access to a national supply of blood in case the local hospital needs something it doesn’t have.

The hospital blood drive ended at 5 p.m. Monday, but Morris said many more were scheduled elsewhere in the area throughout the week.