Community members encouraged to donate blood in support of emergency responders and trauma patients throughout May
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — May 19, 2025 — When traumas occur, it is first responders that answer the call, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers honors the work they do to help victims every day. During National Trauma Awareness Month in May and National EMS Week from Sunday, May 18 through Saturday, May 24, blood donors can show support for these local heroes as well.
Blood donors who donate with LifeSouth during National EMS Week will have an opportunity to donate toward police or fire, and the organization with the most donors will be announced at the World Police and Fire Games held in Birmingham, Alabama from June 27 to July 6. All blood donors who give blood at a LifeSouth donor center will receive a $25 e-gift card and a t-shirt, either red for fire or blue for police, commemorating the World Police and Fire Games.
“At St. Johns County Fire Rescue, we see firsthand how trauma can take a devastating toll in a matter of minutes. That’s why we launched our pioneering Medic Response Project in March 2025 – placing field blood transfusion capabilities directly in the hands of our critical care paramedics, giving trauma patients a fighting chance before they ever reach the hospital,” said Kerry Bachista, MD, Medical Director, St. Johns County Fire Rescue. “None of this would be possible without the support of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. When you donate to LifeSouth, you’re not just giving blood – you’re giving our team the ability to save lives in the field. Your donation truly makes a difference.”
LifeSouth provides blood to emergency medical teams, including ambulances and helicopters. Right now, all blood types are needed, especially type O donors and platelet donors. First time donors are welcome and encouraged to give.
Additionally, LifeSouth supplies blood to 70% of Northeast Florida hospital beds through its service to many regional hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Blood donated with LifeSouth directly helps patients at these hospitals.
Locally, donors can give blood with LifeSouth at the following donor center locations:
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Jacksonville Headquarters (7840 Baymeadows Way)
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Fleming Island (1605 County Rd. 220, Suite 160)
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Julington Creek (445 S.R. 13 N., Suite 25)
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St. Augustine (292 State Route 312)
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Palatka (6003 Crill Ave)
To learn more about the donation process, call LifeSouth’s toll-free number, 1-888-795-2707 or make an appointment at www.lifesouth.org.
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About LifeSouth Community Blood Centers:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 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 or donatingblood.org.