New Jacksonville Beach community blood center and expanded hospital partnership strengthen local blood supply and connect Northeast Florida donors directly with patients in their community
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — October 23, 2026 — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is expanding its presence in Northeast Florida, having opened a new donor center in Jacksonville Beach, located at 1250 Beach Blvd. on September 21 and added UF Health Durbin Park to the hospitals it serves with lifesaving blood products on September 22.
The expansion represents LifeSouth’s continued investment in Northeast Florida’s healthcare infrastructure. By increasing opportunities for residents to donate blood, the organization is helping ensure hospitals have a reliable local blood supply to care for patients throughout the growing region. Northeast Florida’s continued population growth is driving increased demand for healthcare services and the infrastructure needed to support them. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jacksonville’s population grew 7.2% between April 2020 and July 2025, adding approximately 68,000 residents and surpassing 1 million people. As the region grows, so does the importance of maintaining a reliable community blood supply to support hospitals, emergency responders and patients requiring lifesaving care.
“Every time LifeSouth grows in Northeast Florida, we are investing in the health and resilience of this community,” said J.D. Pettyjohn, Chief Operating Officer of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. “Our new Jacksonville Beach donor center makes it easier for more people to give, while our expanded hospital partnerships help ensure those donations are available for patients close to home. When you donate with LifeSouth, you help build a stronger local blood supply for your neighbors, friends and families.”
LifeSouth’s new Jacksonville Beach donor center gives Beaches-area residents a convenient new location to make blood donation part of their routine. To celebrate the opening, first-time donors at the Jacksonville Beach location will receive a $50 gift card and all other donors will receive a $25 e-gift card. Both will receive a free LifeSouth t-shirt.
Blood is needed every day to care for patients experiencing trauma, undergoing surgery or cancer treatment, managing chronic illnesses and facing other serious medical conditions. Because blood cannot be manufactured, hospitals depend on volunteer blood donors to provide the blood products their patients need. LifeSouth’s community-based model connects donations with hospitals in the areas it serves, helping ensure blood is collected and available to meet local patient needs.
LifeSouth encourages Northeast Florida residents to help strengthen the region’s blood supply by becoming regular donors. Whole blood donations can help multiple patients because donated blood can be separated into components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma, to meet different patient needs.
“A reliable local blood supply is an essential part of our region’s healthcare infrastructure,” said Jinous Saremian, M.D., Director of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank Services at UF Health Jacksonville. “As Northeast Florida continues to grow, we need a strong network of blood donors and community partners to help ensure blood products are available for patients facing emergencies, surgeries and other serious medical needs. “
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with written parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet additional eligibility requirements. A photo ID is required. These eligibility guidelines are consistent with LifeSouth’s existing donor information.
To schedule an appointment or locate another LifeSouth donor center or blood drive in Northeast Florida, visit LifeSouth.org or call 888-795-2707.
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About LifeSouth Community Blood Centers:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 200 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. 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. For more resources and information about blood donation, visit donatingblood.org