LifeSouth blood shortage nearing emergency levels | Health

A blood shortage that started when severe weather blanketed the Southeast is now approaching emergency levels.

“Every summer is a struggle, when schools close and regular donors travel, but right now we are facing severe shortages for all blood types all across Alabama, Georgia and Florida,” said LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles. “The storms that hit our region last week kept donors away, and we are still struggling to make up that deficit.”

Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required. Call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 to find a blood drive near you. Included is a listing of all blood drives in this area for this week.

“Our goal is to keep every hospital supplied and have reserve blood on hand at LifeSouth, and right now there is no backup,” Bowles said. “The only solution is to find new donors and for our regular donors to come to one of our bloodmobiles or donor centers.”

LifeSouth is holding blood drives throughout its South Alabama District this week.

Wednesday, June 20
 

• AmTech, Highway 22 West, Alexander City, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Earth Fare, 1550 Opelika Road, Auburn, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Calvary Baptist Church, 901 Montezuma Ave., Dothan, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Walmart, 600 Boll Weevil Circle, Enterprise, noon. to 6 p.m.
• Prattville Baptist Hospital, 124 South Memorial Drive, Prattville, noon to 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 21
 

• Fortis College, 200 Vulcan Way, Dothan, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Benteler Automotive, 4401 North Park Drive, Opelika, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Charter Bank, 701 2nd Ave., Opelika, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Mohawk - on grass at end of office building, 1026 LaFayette Highway, Roanoke, noon to 5 p.m.

Friday, June 22
 

• First National Bank, 137 South Main Street, Brundidge, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Walmart, 145 Kelley Blvd., Millbrook, 1 to 6 p.m.
• Books-A-Million, Tiger Town Parkway, Opelika, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Walmart, 1501 Highway 14 East, Selma, 12:30  to 7 p.m.
• Randolph County Courthouse, 12 Broad St., Wedowee, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And remember you can give blood any time at any of LifeSouth's three donor centers in its South Alabama District:

Montgomery Regional Headquarters, located at 4139 Carmichael Road Montgomery. Hours: Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3p.m.
334- 260-0803.

Opelika Donor Center, located at 505 E Thomason Circle Opelika. Hours: Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
334-705-0884.

Dothan Donor Center, located at 3833 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan. Hours:, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
334- 792-9977.

Source:  LifeSouth