JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – July 24, 2023 – Blood donations drop in the summer as the need for blood by local hospitals increases, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is calling on the community to help by donating blood.
Summer is a slow time for blood donations due to travel, school breaks and weather. LifeSouth representatives also report an increase in blood utilization at local hospitals, which may be due to increased roadway travel during the summer holiday season.
"The need for blood is constant," said Steve Black, Laboratory Director at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. “Blood cannot be manufactured…therefore, donations must come from healthy donors in our community. These donations are an essential part of the care for our patients – the most important donation is your next one to keep Jacksonville's blood supply robust."
Now through August 31, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card. Donors who give platelets or double red cells will receive an additional $20 e-gift card. Now more than ever, first time donors are needed, and LifeSouth is asking those who donate regularly to bring a friend and come to a blood drive or blood donor center. All donors also receive a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (or 16 years with parental permission), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is required.
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 donations and 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.