Cold, illnesses cause LifeSouth to issue blood emergency
Winter’s flu epidemic and the cold weather in the Southeast have cut even deeper into the blood supply at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – The current outbreak of flu and the recent days of frigid weather have triggered an emergency situation for blood, according to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.
The holiday season typically brings a slowdown to blood donations. Now, “this winter’s flu epidemic and the cold weather in the Southeast cut even deeper into the blood supply,” Marquasha Carter said. Carter works as community development coordinator For LifeSouth.
The Centers for Disease Control reported in early January that 43 states, including Florida, Georgia and Alabama, are experiencing either high or widespread flu activity.
“This (situation) is coming at a time when supplies were already low because of reduced donations during the winter holidays,” LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles said. “Meanwhile, blood usage at many of our hospitals is far above normal, making the shortage even more serious.”
Donations are down by 40 percent from the point at which the supply needs to be to provide hospitals with enough blood for patients. This scenario has especially impacted the supply of Type O blood, which is the most needed type.
“O-negative is the universal blood type that can be used by anyone in emergencies. O-positive can be used by anyone with a positive blood type,” Bowles said. “We are in desperate need of healthy donors to come out and donate blood.”
LifeSouth refers to an ’emergency’ only when their inventory levels are at the very lowest points. “Our hospitals have less than a two-day supply, and LifeSouth does not have the blood available to re-supply the hospitals when that blood is used,” Bowles said.
“Please help. Please donate blood,” he said.
Donors must be at least 17 years old. However, 16-year-olds can donate with parental consent and if the teenager weighs 110 pounds minimum and is in good health. A photo ID is required. For information, call 888-795-2707.
LifeSouth’s address s 8190 Madison Blvd. For more information, visit lifesouth.org.
