Gainesville area credit unions compete to beat summer blood shortages

Press release from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers

Gainesville’s credit unions invite the community to save local when they team up with LifeSouth for the Summer Credit Union Blood Drive Challenge from May 1 through August 15.  Donors are encouraged to give blood at their favorite credit union’s blood drives throughout the summer to help keep the community’s blood supply at safe levels. 

The credit union who collects the most donations will win a trophy and bragging rights. Participating locations include Alliance Credit Union, Campus USA Credit Union, Florida Credit Union, My Healthcare Federal Credit Union, Radiant Credit Union, and Vystar Credit Union. 

The summer is typically a tough time for blood collections. With social distancing measures continuing to cause many blood drive cancellations, this summer promises to be even more difficult for the blood supply. Patients in area hospitals rely on volunteer blood donors during the summer months to ensure that blood is there when they need it most. 

Every donor will receive a Summer Credit Union Blood Drive Challenge t-shirt and a free cholesterol screening. Blood donors must be at least 17 (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. A photo ID is also required. For more information on donating blood, call toll-free 888-795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.