MADISON – Donors to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have provided invaluable blood resources for victims of deadly tornadoes that ravaged communities in Lee County, Ala. on March 3.

“LifeSouth appreciates the outpouring support from blood donors wanting to help the victims of tornadoes on March 3 in Lee County,” Eric Franchois said. Franchois works as District Community Development Coordinator at LifeSouth’s office in Madison.

“Fortunately, the local hospital has had the blood needed to treat patients,” Franchois said. “It is the blood donors who donate everyday who helped make sure the blood was there when it was needed.”

Currently, LifeSouth needs O-negative and platelet donors. Blood donors are necessary and welcome every day at LifeSouth.

Donors can find a nearby blood drive or schedule an appointment to donate by calling 888-795-2707 or visiting lifesouth.org. Donors must be 17 years or older. However, a youth who is 16 years old can donate if he or she has parental permission, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds and is in good health. A photo identification also is needed.

An organization can host a blood drive. The organization’s contact will serve the vital link of donor chairperson, working with a LifeSouth Team and Donor Recruiter to schedule, organize and promote your blood drives.

Depending on an organization’s size, a committee may better serve the needs of a blood drive with outgoing, dependable people who will help to ensure that the organization meets its blood drive goal, Franchois said.

“The most important ingredient in creating a successful blood drive is personal contact,” he said. “Studies have shown that the most common reason people have not donated is because no one has asked them.”

Anyone interested in hosting a blood drive can call Franchois at 256-533-8246.

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood center serving hospitals in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. LifeSouth has more than 30 donor centers, 45 bloodmobiles and 2,000 blood drives monthly.

For more information, email egfranchois@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.