Emergency Blood Appeal Results in Multiple LifeSouth Community Blood Drives
By November, many minds are in full holiday mode. Some early achievers may have even finished their Christmas shopping, but for others the holidays could be a stressful time.
During an emergency blood appeal, some cancer patients have had their treatments postponed due to a low blood supply. Motor vehicle crash victims and trauma patients will have to go untreated if there is not enough blood stocked in hospitals.
“There is not an artificial substance created in a lab to make blood,” Kelley McPhail, district director at LifeSouth said. “It has to come directly from a human body. That is why it is so important we have donors.”
LifeSouth has come up with a temporary solution that may assist with the shortage of blood, Community Blood Drives. In North Alabama, LifeSouth has six community blood centers in four different regions. All four regions are participating in their own community drive.
Community drives will allow people in the community to gather for one common cause and have a little fun in the process. LifeSouth will be following all CDC, state, and city regulations as it pertains to COVID-19.
“We are wiping down beds between donors, everyone on our busses and in our centers are required to wear masks, and we have limited the number of donors allowed to give at one time,” McPhail said. “It has never been a better time to give blood.”
Albertville/Guntersville/Etowah Community Drives:
December 1st 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater Albertville, AL
This Albertville blood drive is nicknamed, 12 Hours of Christmas. Every hour donors will be entered in a drawing to win a fabulous prize thanks to community sponsors. Donors will also receive snacks and a free t-shirt.
Madison/Huntsville Community Drive:
December 5 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
LifeSouth Madison Blood Center Madison, AL
The Madison/Huntsville drive will be called, Joy of Giving. The event is to highlight that giving blood is a joy! Every donor will be able to spin our giant prize wheel that will have prizes that range from oil changes and car washes to food vouchers, spa certificates, and cold hard cash! This day will also offer free gift wrapping for donors and free food too!
**Every donors receives a free COVID-19 antibodies test and a free cholesterol screening Please visit www.lifesouth.org to find the closest blood center or blood drive near you. Call LifeSouth’s toll-free number, 1-888-795-2707 for more information on giving and to schedule an appointment**
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About LifeSouth:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 100 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.
Direct Contact: 256-533-8246, mkmay@lifesouth.org
M. Kami May LifeSouth District Community Development Coordinator