THE SHOALS-Since declaring an emergency need for blood donations last week LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is making progress, but the blood supply is still extremely low.
“We want to thank the media and our donors who responded to our call for help. We are gaining ground, but we are not out of the woods yet,” said LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles.
LifeSouth’s inventory levels are still at the emergency level of less than a two-day supply. LifeSouth’s goal is to have a minimum of five days’ worth of blood in reserve to resupply hospitals according to Bowles.
“We are still not there, especially for Type O, the universal blood type that can be given in emergencies,” Bowles said. “And the challenge is that while we’re trying to gain ground, hospitals continue to need blood. In fact, usage is up, so our shelves are still empty.”
The combination of winter holidays, cold weather and the flu epidemic cut donations sharply in late December and early January, triggering the emergency.
“We are putting out an emergency plea for donors especially those with Type O blood to please donate,” Bowles said. “Our community needs your help.”
Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental consent, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required. For more information call 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.
Yellow and black emergency need banners are displayed on the LifeSouth bloodmobiles in hopes donors will stop and donate. LifeSouth only uses the word “emergency” when there is less than a two day supply of blood to restock its hospitals. Type O blood continues to be low and is especially needed.
The LifeSouth Community Blood Centers bloodmobile will be at the following locations:
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
- Wallace State – 201 Main Street, Hanceville, AL from 9am to 3pm
- Sanctuary at the Woodland – 1910 Cherokee Ave SW, Cullman, AL from 11am to 5pm
- Piggly Wiggly – 10339 Alabama Highway 168, Boaz, AL from 12pm to 6pm
- Belk – 11655 U.S. Highway 431 South, Guntersville, AL from 9am to 7pm
- Supreme Beverage Company – 106 West Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL from 12pm-6pm
Thursday, January 22, 2015
- Walgreen’s – 3977 University Drive, Huntsville, AL from 9am to 3pm
- CVS – 610 Second Avenue, Cullman, AL from 10am to 4pm
- Walmart – 1655 West College Street, Pulaski, TN from 10am to 4pm
- Hometown Grocery – 608 South Jefferson Street, Athens, AL from 11am to 4pm
- Helen Keller Hospital – Sheffield, AL from 7am to 5pm
- CVS – 1204 Brindlee Mountain Parkway, Arab, AL from 9am to 7pm
- Old Navy – 312 East Meighan Blvd., Gadsden, AL from 10am to 4pm
Friday, January 23, 2015
- CVS – 12275 U.S. Highway 231/431, Meridanville, AL from 11am to 5:30pm
- Warehouse Discount Grocery – 1615 Town Square Shopping Center, Cullman, AL from 10am to 4pm
- Kroger Shopping Center – 241 U.S. Highway 431, Hartselle, AL from 10am to 4pm
- Cumberland Center – 30512 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, AL from 11am to 4pm
- Walmart – 1706 Military Street S, Hamilton, AL from 10am to 6pm
Saturday, January 24, 2015
- Walmart – 2700 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL from 9am to 3pm
- YMCA – 1000 Weatherly Road, Huntsville, AL from 8:30am to 12:30pm
- Walgreen’s – 11399 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL from 1pm to 3pm
- Downtown Rescue Thrift Store – Spring Avenue Decatur, AL from 10am to 4pm
- Paul Mitchell School of Huntsville – 3810 Sullivan Street, Madison, AL from 10am to 2pm
- Star Market (parking lot) – 7950 U.S. Highway 72 West, Madison from 2:30pm to 5pm
- H & R Block – 4123 Sportsplex Drive, Muscle Shoals, AL from 10am to 4pm
- Faith Worship Center – 505 Main Street W, Gadsden, AL from 10am to 3pm
- Walmart – 340 East Meighan Blvd., East Gadsden, AL from 11am to 5pm
Sunday, January 25, 2015
- Walmart – 11610 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL from 9am to 7pm
- Walgreen’s – 1086 Jeff Road, Huntsville, AL from 9am to 3pm
- Crosshaven Church – 9131 U.S. Highway 31 South, Hanceville, AL from 8am to 2pm
- Bargain Hunt – 144 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL from 12pm to 6pm
- Walmart – 2453 Second Ave. East, Oneonta, AL from 11am to 5pm
- Walmart – 973 Gilberts Ferry Road, Attalla, AL from 11am to 5pm
- MEDIA RELEAS/LIFESOUTH/Marquasha Carter,District Community Development Coordinator
