JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is urging the community to donate blood, especially now when the local supply is critically low.
With the supply critically low, that means there is just a two-day supply for area hospitals. Sometimes, it’s even less.
LifeSouth officials said typically blood donations go down during this time of the year when the weather is warm, school is out, and people are traveling.
That’s why blood drive events, like the one held Saturday morning at the South Mandarin Library, are very important.
Paula Aycock has been donating blood for many years. These days, it’s for an extra special reason.
“I actually donate blood in memory of my brother, Dean. He passed from a brain tumor. So every year, his widow, my sister-in-law, we all donate blood in memory of Dean,” Aycock said.
With every squeeze, Aycock is helping to save lives in the community — at a time when the need for blood donations is urgent.
RELATED | Why blood donations are needed year-round
“There’s no way to manufacture blood, it has to be donated from one human to give to another human,” Brite Whitaker, with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, said.
Whitaker said it’s a huge help when people take the time to donate. But those who donate regularly are the ones who truly make the difference.
“It’s wonderful when blood donors come in and want to give blood when there is something like a tragedy or a massive casualty. But honestly, it’s the blood that’s given before that, that really does help the patients in need,” Whitaker said.
All blood types are needed, but the one that’s needed the most is Type O. Specifically, O-negative, which is the universal blood type.
“When there is a trauma, most likely patients are given O-neg blood right from the get-go. Because the blood type of that patient is uncertain, but they can receive O-negative blood safely,” Whitaker said.
Blood that’s collected is given right to local hospitals, including:
- Baptist Health locations
- UF Health
- Wolfson Children’s Hospital
In memory of her brother, Aycock said she hopes people hear the urgent message.
“Those of us who can give blood, should. There may be a time when we need it, and we need to help others as much as we can,” Aycock said.
Shining a light on an urgent need in our community, in hopes of saving even more lives.
LifeSouth said blood donors have to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Minors will need to have permission from their parents.
MORE | Update guideline from the FDA concerning blood donations
For more information about donating blood, visit LifeSouth’s website.
