LifeSouth issues emergency appeal for blood

Nearly-empty shelves greet LifeSouth’s district community development coordinator in the Madison LifeSouth Center. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – The tragedy in Orlando prompted a large response of donors wishing to show their support, but LifeSouth is still facing an emergency need for all blood types.

“The response to donate prompted by the mass shooting in Orlando was amazing,” LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles said. “We were able to assist the blood center in Orlando with blood, but we were limited on how much we could help because of our own shortage.”

“With the events in Orlando, many of the LGBT community were showing support by donating blood. We have been preparing for a change in our policy that we planned to implement later this summer, but, with the overwhelming response during this crisis, we made the decision to move up the timeline,” LifeSouth Vice President of Quality Jill Evans said.

“We as a nation are all touched by the horrific act of injustice in Orlando and when there is a tragedy such as this, people are overwhelmed – not just in Florida but across the country,” Evans said. “We saw this (concern) in 9-11, and when there are major traffic accidents. And the truth is, even with all the miracles of modern medicine, there’s still no substitute for human blood.”

However, during a normal week, the priorities shift to regular surgeries, “the mom’s facing complications in child birth, cancer patients and many others that need blood,” LifeSouth District Community Development Coordinator Victoria Bell said.

LifeSouth’s goal is to have a minimum of a two-day supply, but local hospitals are continuing to operate with minimal blood supply levels. Below a two-day supply is considered an emergency, which is a term the blood center doesn’t use unless a situation exists that is absolutely critical.

While all blood types are needed, Type O-negative, Type O-positive and platelet donations post the major need.

Donors must also be in good health, and a photo ID is required. For information on upcoming blood drives, call 256-533-8201.