Storm to impact an already strained blood supply
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – January 9, 2024 – LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is facing an emergency need for blood donors and blood types as a result of Winter Storm Finn. The storm is expected to impact an already strained blood supply, with only a current average 1-2 day supply available in the state of Florida.
The storm hit at a time when blood supplies are already low due to the holidays, school closures and winter weather, while usage by hospitals continues to increase. Winter Storm Finn has caused blood drives and blood donor centers to close in affected areas across the state, which directly impacts the blood supply as blood donors are needed every day.
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. These hospitals rely on LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors to make sure blood is available before it is needed. All blood types are asked to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses.
All blood donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, and platelet and double red cell donors will receive an additional $20 e-gift card. First time donors are encouraged to try blood donation, and LifeSouth asks regular donors to come to a blood drive or blood donor center and bring a friend.
LifeSouth’s regional donor centers are open*; appointments are encouraged, but not required to donate blood. Please visit www.lifesouth.org to find a schedule of upcoming blood drives in the area. Donor centers across Jacksonville are located at the addresses below:
Jacksonville Donor Center (7840 Baymeadows Way)
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fleming Island Donor Center (1605 County Rd. 220, Unit 160)
Wednesday through Friday hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Julington Creek Donor Center (445 S.R. 13, Suite 25)
Tuesday through Friday hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
*As of 3 p.m. on January 9, 2024, LifeSouth donor centers in Jacksonville have no plans to shut down. Normal hours of operation are being followed.
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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 of donatingblood.org.