LifeSouth: Local blood shortages occurring, blood donors urgently needed

MADISON – A national blood shortage is impacting the country, news of the shortage has been covered on a national level, and locally LifeSouth is also experiencing shortages. Blood donors of all types are needed now to help.

A decrease in donations during summer months historically causes the blood supply to drop to emergency levels, and that coupled with an increase in need, as hospitals resume elective surgeries and those who did not seek medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic do so, has been detrimental to blood supply levels.

LifeSouth blood donors help patients at 17 North Alabama Hospitals, and a growing concern for hospitals has been expressed as blood transfusions increase. Maintaining a stable blood supply makes sure blood is available when needed for victims of accidents, those having surgery or patients being treated for cancers and other illnesses.

LifeSouth urges the community to donate blood soon. It is a great time to become a blood donor and learn your blood type, or for regular blood donors to donate and bring a friend.

Those who received the COVID-19 vaccine, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna are eligible to donate blood if they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation.

All donors receive a thank you gift, and a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen.

Donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is needed. LifeSouth’s donor center in Madison, Decatur, Albertville, Florence, and Cullman. LifeSouth’s bloodmobiles will also be out at many locations in coming days.

For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.

Madison Donor Center                                    

8190 Madison Blvd.

Monday: 9am-5pm

Tuesday: 9am-7pm

Wednesday: 9am-5pm

Thursday: 9am-7pm

Friday: 9am-5pm

Saturday: 8am-Noon

Sunday: 8am-Noon

Madison Donor Center #2

12060 County Line Road,

Suite F

Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-6pm

CLOSED Sunday and Monday