LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have issued an emergency level for its blood supply. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The Fourth of July means grilled hot dogs, fireworks shows and patriotism. However, an unfortunate fact of the holiday weekend is the challenge of a community blood shortage.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have issued an emergency level for its blood supply. Supplies are below a two-day level required to replenish the 100-plus hospitals that LifeSouth serves in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

“Every summer is a challenge, but, this year with the early arrival of extremely hot weather, we’ve been on a critical shortage since mid-May, especially for O-negative and A-negative blood types,” LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J. B. Bowles said.

“We have seen a steady decline in donations, but patient needs remain high,” Bowles said. The Fourth of July complicates that challenge further because many regular donors are traveling. “We desperately need help now.”

LifeSouth needs donors of all types and platelet donors immediately.

In Madison, LifeSouth’s donor center address is 8190 Madison Blvd. Donors also can visit Huntsville Hospital on the first floor.

LifeSouth’s bloodmobiles will travel to numerous locations in upcoming days, including LifeSouth in Madison on July 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at Huntsville Hospital on July 6-10 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and July 12, noon to 5 p.m.

Urgently needed by cancer patients, platelets can be used for only five days after donation; this need always exists. “The need for O-negative is also always with us, because it’s the universal donor and can be used by anyone in times of emergency,” Bowles said.

Donors must be at least 17 years old. Sixteen-year-olds can donate with parental permission and if the donor weighs 110 pounds minimum and is in good health. A photo ID is required.

“Giving blood is a patriotic way to support this country and this community. When the blood supply is this low, lives are on the line. Please help,” Bowles said.

For more information, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.