LifeSouth in emergency need for blood donors

The recent storms and inclement weather have negatively affected the community’s blood supply, and LifeSouth asks blood donors to help. 

All blood types are needed, and donors are asked to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood necessary to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses. 

“We need donors to come in every day, and when we experience a slowdown due to weather, we ask our community to rally and donate blood to help maintain the local blood supply,” said Ed Keith, District Director for LifeSouth. 

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. 

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 Ocala is located at 1607 E. Silver Springs Blvd. LifeSouth’s bloodmobiles will also be out at many locations in coming days (see attachment for schedule of upcoming blood drives). 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.

Hours of Operation:

Mon: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.