National and local blood shortage continues; Blood donors needed

As blood supply shortages continue across the country, LifeSouth is asking the Madison County community to please donate blood if you are able.

Local communities are the first to feel the impact of blood shortages as local hospitals and trauma centers need a healthy local blood supply to ensure they can effectively treat trauma patients and patients needing blood transfusions.

In January, it was reported the U.S. blood supply remains at one of its lowest levels in recent years with many blood centers reporting certain critical blood types at a “dangerously low level” – less than a one-day supply.

All blood types are welcome, and LifeSouth assures donors you can donate blood after receiving the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines for COVID-19, or after taking the flu shot.

“Blood donors are needed now more than ever to make sure blood is ready when patients are in need,” said JD Pettyjohn, COO at LifeSouth. “Many people only think of donating blood during a tragedy or disaster, but blood donors are needed every day to meet the needs of patients, and right now we are struggling to maintain an adequate supply.”

In the United States, more than 45,000 units of blood are needed daily. A single blood donor can save as many as three lives. It is safe and only takes about an hour.

LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors serve patients at Huntsville Hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Athens-Limestone Hospital, North Alabama Medical Center, Marshall Medical Center North, Marshall Medical Center South, Crestwood Medical Center, Parkway Medical Center, Lawrence Medical Center, Cullman Regional, Helen Keller Hospital, Red Bay Hospital, Madison Hospital, Gadsden Regional, Lakeland Community Hospital, and North Alabama Shoals Hospital.

All donors receive a thank you gift, refreshments and a mini-physical that includes a cholesterol check, iron level, temperature and blood pressure.

Donors may give blood at any local blood drive, or wherever they see a donor center or the LifeSouth mobile units.

Appointments can be made online here.