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LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is urgently calling on all eligible blood donors to donate blood in the wake of recent ice storms, which prevented hundreds of scheduled donations. With many donation events canceled this week, too, LifeSouth officials are raising alarm about the growing strain on the blood supply. 

“We are asking for blood donations ahead of the storm to help our local hospitals,” said JD Pettyjohn, chief operating officer for LifeSouth. “The recent tragedy in New Orleans is a heartbreaking reminder that blood must be available before it is needed. There is no substitute for human blood, and local blood donors are a critical part of healthcare in our community.”

Blood donations are also essential for EMS crews to carry blood to treat trauma patients on site and for area hospitals to maintain the supply needed to treat traumas and health issues requiring blood transfusions. LifeSouth officials stress that blood donors mean the difference between life and death for patients in critical need.

Blood products have a limited shelf life, with local hospitals and blood centers only maintaining a three-to-five-day supply of type O blood. A tragedy or another storm that disrupts donations could have dangerous consequences for patient care. 

Call to action: 

LifeSouth encourages experienced and first-time donors to donate as soon as possible. The blood donation process is quick, painless and vital to saving lives. 

As a thank you, all donors will receive a medical check and blood donor sweatshirt. Elite donors who give platelets or double red cells will receive an additional $40 e-gift card. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit lifesouth.org or donatingblood.org.  

Melinda Hinds, LifeSouth district community development coordinator, said all local donations scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 21 had been canceled. Donor centers and blood mobiles closed due to the threat of severe winter weather.

“Please check the website, www.lifesouth.org, to find a drive or donor center near you to help the inventory,” Hinds suggested. “Companies, schools and churches can schedule drives to help with the emergency need for blood at this time.”

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.