Summer brings low supply at LifeSouth
MADISON – LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are facing an emergency need for blood donors.
“National blood shortages are impacting blood centers across the country, and locally LifeSouth also faces emergency need for all blood types,” Eric Franchois said. Franchois works as District Community Development Coordinator for LifeSouth in Madison.
“Summer months take a toll on the blood supply, and this year has been especially difficult here in North Alabama and across the country,” Franchois said.
Huntsville Hospital, Marshall Medical Centers, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Cullman Regional Medical Center, North Alabama Medical Center and eight other facilities rely on LifeSouth blood donors to confirm that blood is available before a patient is in need.
All blood types are necessary. LifeSouth officials ask individuals to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses.
First-time donors always are welcome. “We encourage residents to give blood donation a try. All donors will receive a thank-you gift and a ‘mini-physical,’ including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen,” Franchois said.
Donors must be at least 17 years old. However, 16-year-olds can give blood if parents grant permission, if the teenager weighs a minimum of 110 pounds and if the teen is in good health. Donors must present a photo ID.
LifeSouth has donor centers in Madison, Huntsville, Albertville, Decatur and Florence.
LifeSouth will conduct blood drives in the Madison areas at these locations:
* Hexagon, U.S. Federal — Cochran Road, Madison, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 23.
* Pratt & Whitney — 15091 Old Hwy. 20, Madison, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 24.
* Structure Medical — Production Avenue, Madison, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 25.
* Madison Chamber of Commerce — 103 Spenryn Drive, Suite 100, Madison, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 27.
For information about local blood drives, call Franchois at 256-533-8246 or email egfranchois@lifesouth.org.
LifeSouth’s address in Madison is 8190 Madison Blvd. Individuals can schedule appointments online. For more information, call toll-free 888-795-2707, ext. 55003 or visit lifesouth.org.
