JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – June 13, 2023 – This year’s World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday, June 14 honors those who help their communities by donating blood, and right now blood donors are needed as local blood supplies have declined while summer blood shortages begin. Summer is historically a slow time for blood donations due to travel and school breaks, while the need to help patients in local hospitals remains constant.
Every two seconds a person needs blood, and blood donors are untold heroes in the event of disasters and mass casualty events. Locally, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers celebrates blood donors every day, and especially on World Blood Donor Day. The date celebrates and highlights the crucial role of blood donation as a lifesaving gift from one person to another.
LifeSouth encourages Northeast Florida residents to celebrate the spirit of World Blood Donor Day in one of the following ways:
- Give Blood. Approximately 37 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, yet less than 10 percent donate annually. Whether you’re a regular or first-time donor, visiting one of LifeSouth’s donor centers or signature red, white and blue bloodmobiles is a powerful way to make a difference.
- Host a Blood Drive. LifeSouth urges all businesses, organizations, churches, neighborhoods and professional groups to consider hosting a blood drive to help ensure a safe and steady supply for local hospitals. LifeSouth provides planning support, donor recognition gifts and snacks to make each drive a success. For more details, contact LifeSouth Director of Communications and Outreach Brite Whitaker at bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org.
- Share why you donate. One of the most common reasons why people don’t give blood is because they aren’t asked to. Sharing a personal story about why you donate can help encourage another person to donate, as well. Tag @LifeSouth in your story on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and use the hashtag #WorldBloodDonorDay.
Additionally, during the month of June, LifeSouth donors will receive a $20 e-gift card when they give at a LifeSouth donor center or bloodmobile. Those donating platelets or double red cells will receive an additional $20 e-gift card. Donors are also encouraged to bring a friend to donate during this time.
LifeSouth supplies blood to 70% Northeast Florida hospital beds serving 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.
For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, use the LifeSouth app or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online.
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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 of donatingblood.org.