Blood bank calling on the community to help save a life by donating blood during the season of giving
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – December 14, 2023 – LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is asking the community to help save a life by donating blood this holiday season during its “Holiday Cheer” Blood Drive. With only an average 1-2 day supply available in the state of Florida, it's more important than ever to make sure blood is available for patients. All blood types are needed now to make sure blood is available for patient care.
Donors who give blood at one of LifeSouth’s three donor centers across Northeast Florida or blood drive on Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 31* will not only save lives, but will receive a $25 e-gift card that can be redeemed at hundreds of retailers and restaurants. If a donor gives a double red cell donation or a platelet donation, they will receive an additional $20 e-gift card for their generosity. In addition to the e-gift card, blood donors also receive refreshments, and a mini-physical including cholesterol, iron level, temperature and blood pressure.
Blood donation is especially needed during the holidays, as usage increases while collections decrease due to school breaks, vacation travel, illness and inclement weather. Many people only think of donating blood after a tragedy or disaster, but blood donors are needed every day to meet the needs of patients.
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.
LifeSouth advises those who do not normally donate, have not donated recently or are first-time donors to make a point to donate this holiday season. Regular blood donors are also asked to come in and bring a friend. For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, visit www.lifesouth.org or download the LifeSouth app. Appointments can also be made online.
*LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be closed in observance of Christmas Day on Monday, December 25.
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About LifeSouth:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 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.