LifeSouth asking for blood following tornadic weather

In the wake of recent severe weather for North Alabama and in the Central part of the state, it has landed Lifesouth in a need to ask the community to come out and give blood. North Alabama LifeSouth blood donation centers are located in Madison, Decatur, Florence and Albertville.

“The community blood supply continues to be dangerously low due to the impact of COVID-19 and prior storms,” Kami May, District Community Development Coordinator for Lifesouth said.

LifeSouth urges regular and first-time donors to give blood as soon as possible.

LifeSouth officials report that this severe weather could not have come at a worse time, as there is a national shortage of blood, and the storm has impacted much needed blood drives. Blood donors are needed everyday to make sure blood is available to help patients in local hospitals.

May said there is no substitute for human blood and patients rely on blood donations from healthy individuals. Donating ensures blood will be available to help those who may be injured or need a blood transfusion to survive.

“During yesterday’s storms, our whole District only collected 73 units of blood total,” May said on Friday. “On average, Huntsville Hospital is known to request 80 units or more at a time to keep their trauma center stocked with an adequate amount of blood products.”

All blood donors receive a wellness screen prior to donation. To find a blood drive close to you or to learn more about the donation process, call LifeSouth’s toll-free number, 1-888-795-2707 or make an appointment at www.lifesouth.org.

Lifesouth is located at 8190 Madison Boulevard in Madison, and they have opened a temporary collection center at 12060 County Line Rd., Suite F.

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood center serving patients in Alabama, Georgia and Florida.