LifeSouth issues emergency for Type O blood

Hospitals always need Type O-negative blood because any patient in an emergency can use this type of blood. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have issued an emergency need for Type O blood.

“Last week’s winter storms that rolled through the Southeast are still impacting the region’s blood supply, and LifeSouth continues to face a critical shortage of Type O blood,” district community development coordinator Marquasha Carter said.

Any person with a positive blood type can use Type O-positive blood. About 85 percent of the population fits in this category.

“We appreciate all of the people who came out to donate last week, especially those who had to brave the cold and ice,” LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles said. “Those donors made a difference, but unfortunately we are still in emergency need of Type O and need help immediately.”

Hospitals always need Type O-negative blood because any patient in an emergency can use this type of blood. Individuals with Type-O negative blood must receive this type if the need for a transfusion occurs.

Donors must be at least 17 years old. However, 16-year-olds can donate if they have parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good health. A photo ID is also required.

“The good news is that spring is coming and that will help, but blood donors are needed today,” Bowles said.

LifeSouth is a 501(c)3 non-profit community blood supplier for more than 100 hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. As a ‘community blood center,’ LifeSouth provides the blood supply collected from donors directly to the needs of patients in the community.

LifeSouth’s Madison office address is 8190 Madison Blvd. For information on community blood drives, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or 256-533-8246, email to mdcarter@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.