LifeSouth Battling Weather and high Demand for Blood

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jan 28 2016 9:08 AM

            Rough weather has halted blood donations in several communities and the blood supply has now reached emergency levels. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers needs help from local blood donors to serve patients in area hospitals.

“With stormy conditions keeping donors away, we really have some ground to make up. This comes as the demand for blood has spiked, with patients who postponed procedures during the holidays, now entering hospitals,” said JB Bowles, LifeSouth vice president of operations.

LifeSouth has seen blood donations decrease since the holidays, and inventories have now hit emergency levels. 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. LifeSouth needs to continuously supply the more than 100 hospitals it serves in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

            “This year in addition to the typical holiday slowdown of donations, many of our communities have been swamped with heavy rain, local flooding and even the threat of tornadoes,” Bowles said. “We need platelet donations and all blood types every day, but right now donors are especially needed. If you don’t normally give, now is when we need you most.”

            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 also required.

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