Winter storm Finn impacts an already strained blood supply. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers faces emergency need for all blood types and urges the community to donate blood.

The storm hit at a time when blood supplies are already low due to the holidays, school closures and winter weather, while usage by hospitals continues to increase. The storm caused blood drives and blood donor centers to close in affected areas, which directly impacts the blood supply as blood donors are needed every day. LifeSouth urges the community to visit a donor center or a bloodmobile and donate.

Our local hospitals  rely on LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors to make sure blood is available before it is needed. All blood types are asked to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses.

In January all blood donors receive a $20 e-gift card and donors who donate platelets, plasma or a double red cell donation receive an additional $20 e-gift card. First time donors are encouraged to try blood donation, and LifeSouth asks regular donors to come to a blood drive or blood donor center and bring a friend.

LifeSouth’s donor centers in Montgomery, Prattville, Dothan, Opelika, Columbus are open 7 days a week. 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. Appointments can also be made online.

About LifeSouth:

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 125 hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit  LifeSouth.org and donatingblood.org