LifeSouth schedules emergency blood drive on May 1

LifeSouth has scheduled a blood drive at University Kia, 6519 University Drive NW in Huntsville on May 1. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – As cleanup continues from this week’s deadly tornadoes, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is teaming up with Alabama in Action for a special blood drive on May 1.

The blood drive will be held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at University Kia, 6519 University Drive NW in Huntsville.

At the blood drive, Alabama in Action will accept donations of soap, lotion, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, toilet paper, bottled water and other items. For more information about Alabama in Action, email to Doug Sutton at dsutton@thevalleyscw.tv.

In addition, all LifeSouth donor centers in North Alabama will be open for donors on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

* Huntsville — Huntsville Hospital, first floor, 101 Sivley Road.

* Madison — 8190 Madison Blvd.

* Decatur — 2349 Danville Road SW, Suite 120.

* Florence — Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, 205 Marengo St.

* Sheffield — 1208 S. Jackson Highway.

* Cullman — 112 Clark St.

* Albertville — 8626 U.S. 431

“Whenever we experience these storms, we nearly always see blood donation drop off. We hope by teaming with Alabama in Action that we can keep our hospitals fully supplied with blood and help our neighbors here in North Alabama,” LifeSouth district director Jason Hodges said.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with parental permission, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors must present a photo ID.

All blood donors will receive a Dunkin’ Donut coupon for a free donut or small coffee.

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