Christmas travel causes O- shortage at LifeSouth

MADISON – Officials at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have issued a holiday alert for donors of O-negative blood.

“With schools and colleges on winter break, regular blood donors traveling and the holidays, LifeSouth is facing a critical need in many communities for O-negative blood donors,” Victoria Bell said. Bell works as District Community Development Coordinator for LifeSouth.

Only about 7 percent of the population has O-negative blood. However, as the universal blood type, O-negative blood is the most frequently transfused type.

“While donors of all blood types are needed, O-negative supplies have hit an emergency low level, meaning there is less than a two-day supply of O-negative to re-supply the more than 100 hospitals LifeSouth serves in Florida, Georgia and Alabama,” Bell said.

During the holiday season, “LifeSouth asks donors to not forget the most important gift of all — the gift of life through blood donation,” Bell said.

Donors must be at least 17 years old. A 16-year-old can donate if he or she has parental permission, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds and is in good health. Also, photo identification is needed.

LifeSouth’s address in Madison is 8190 Madison Blvd. For more information and to locate a blood drive, call 1-888-795-2707, ext. 55003, email vlbell@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.