For Immediate Release

September 24, 2024

Contact: Laura Gayle Bialeck
              352-359-0988 lgbialeck@lifesouth.org

 

LifeSouth Needs Blood Donations Before Potential Hurricane Reaches Land

As a significant storm, and potential hurricane, threatens the southeastern United States, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers urges blood donors to help before the storm hits by giving blood.

LifeSouth officials report the storm could not come at a worse time, as blood supplies are low, and the storm will impact much needed blood drives across Florida, Georgia and parts of Alabama over the week. The fallout from the storm, including flooding, road closures and power outages can cease blood drives for days, causing blood supplies to drop to dangerous levels.

Blood donors are needed every day to make sure blood is available to help patients in local hospitals. There is no substitute for human blood, and patients rely on blood donations from healthy individuals. Donating ensures blood will be available to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses. LifeSouth serves patients at UF Health, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, and the VA Medical Center. Currently all blood types are needed.

All blood donors receive a $20 e-gift card, platelet and double red cell donation receive a $40 e-gift card and all blood donors receive a special pin honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and a wellness screen prior to donation. To find a blood drive close to you or to learn more about the donation process, call LifeSouth’s toll-free number, 1-888-795-2707 or make an appointment at www.lifesouth.org.

About LifeSouth:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org. For more resources and information about blood donation, visit donatingblood.org.