An emergency call for blood donors

All blood types are needed, Life South says, and donors are asked to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses. According to data from America's Blood Centers, 33% of blood centers in the Southern United States are at a 0-1 day supply available for life-saving procedures. Florida is now at a critical level with only 1-2 days of blood supply available.

Summer is always a slow time for blood donations due to travel and school summer break. LifeSouth reports this year is especially difficult as the need for blood to help patients in local hospitals has increased. LifeSouth supports approximately 70% of the hospital beds in Northeast Florida, serving UF Health, Baptist Health, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Orange Park. These hospitals rely on LifeSouth and local blood donors to make sure blood is available before it is needed.

First-time donors are encouraged to try blood donation, and LifeSouth asks regular donors to come to a blood drive or blood donor center and bring a friend. From Friday, July 22 through Monday, July 25, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card and a special recognition item. Donors who donate platelets, plasma or a double red cell donation receive an additional $20 e-gift card. All donors also receive a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen.

Daily Donation Opportunities

Northeast Florida residents can donate at one of LifeSouth's regional donor centers, or at a mobile blood drive. For a full listing of mobile drives go to LifeSouth.org.

Northeast Florida Donor Center (7840 Baymeadows Way):

•           Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•           Wednesday hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
•           Saturday hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fleming Island Donor Center (1605 County Rd. 220, Unit 160)

•           Wednesday/Thursday/Friday hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
•           Saturday/Sunday hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Julington Creek Donor Center (445 SR 13, Suite 25)

•           Tuesday - Friday hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
•           Saturday hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mobile Blood Drive Opportunities

Saturday, July 23

• Pecan Park RV Resort: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Publix, Arlington River: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 24

• Publix, 14444 Beach Blvd.:  11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Argyle Church of Christ: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Walmart, Collins Rd.: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Avondale United Methodist Church: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Winn Dixie, 5647 Roosevelt Blvd.: 2:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Monday, July 25

• Walmart, 13490 Beach Blvd : 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Publix, Island Walk: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Ponte Vedra, YMCA: 10 a.m - 3 p.m.
• Pet Supermarket, A1A North Ponte Vedra: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is needed. For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online. 

About LifeSouth:

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 125 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. 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.