blood shortage

LifeSouth issues emergency call for donors

: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have issued an emergency need for all blood types. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – The need for blood donors has reached a critical level, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are now in emergency need.

“LifeSouth doesn’t use the word ’emergency’ lightly. The distinctive yellow and black emergency signs are used only when reserve levels drop to less than a two-day supply,” Victoria Bell said. Bell works as District Community Development Coordinator for LifeSouth.

“We are in serious need of all blood types to keep all of our hospitals fully supplied,” LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles said. “In the past weeks, instead of seeing an increase, our supply has steadily dropped.”

All blood types are needed to help replenish the local blood supply. LifeSouth works to confirm that hospitals have the blood needed to treat traumas and patients needing blood transfusions.

“The winter donor slowdown isn’t unusual,” Bowles said. “It’s caused by a number of factors, including schools being out, flu season and regular donors traveling.”

One fact remains: human blood has no substitute.

Individuals can donate at several different sites:

* LifeSouth in Madison — 8190 Madison Blvd., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Huntsville Hospital — Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Decatur Donor Center — 2349 Danville Road SW, Suite 120, Decatur, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon

In addition, LifeSouth’s website, lifesouth.org, lists bloodmobile schedules in other counties.

“We need donors to come into our centers or step aboard a bloodmobile and donate blood as soon as possible,” Bowles said.

Donors must be 17 years old or older. Sixteen-year-olds can donate with parental permission and if the individual weighs at least 110 pounds, is in good health and has a photo ID. For more information, call toll-free 888-795-2707.

For more information, call Bell at 256-533-8246, email vlbell@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.