LifeSouth Community Blood Centers calls for donors amidst emergency need for blood in Florida hospitals 

Press release from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Hospitals across Florida are in emergency need of blood and seeking support from LifeSouth amidst a recent cyber-attack against another major blood supplier in the state. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has not been affected by this attack; the nonprofit community blood bank is fully functional and urging all in the community to act by donating at a local donor center or blood drive near them. LifeSouth is currently helping hospitals throughout the state, in addition to its network of hospital partners. 

Due to the current low supply of blood, LifeSouth urges the community to help make sure that blood is ready and available for patients. This blood aids trauma centers, pediatric hospitals, patients awaiting transplants, open heart surgeries, and emergency medical services, to name a few.

All blood donors will receive a $20 e-gift card that can be redeemed at hundreds of retailers and restaurants. If a donor gives a double red cell donation or a platelet donation, they will receive a $40 e-gift card for their immense generosity. In addition to an e-gift card, donors will receive refreshments and a mini-physical including cholesterol, iron level, temperature, and blood pressure.

LifeSouth asks those who do not regularly donate, have not donated in a while, or are first-time donors to make a point to do so now. Frequent blood donors are strongly encouraged to come in and bring a friend. All blood types are needed and accepted, especially type O and platelet donations. 

For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, visit www.lifesouth.org, or download the LifeSouth app. Appointments can also be made online. Donor centers across Gainesville are located at the below addresses, and information on mobile blood drives happening across the region can be found at www.lifesouth.org. 

Friday, August 2

13th Street Donor Center                             1221 NW 13th Street                                        9am–5:30pm

Newberry Road Donor Center                      4039 Newberry Road, Gainesville                    9am–5:30pm 

Alachua Donor Center                                  15652 NW US Hwy. 441, Alachua                   9am–5:30pm

Tioga Town Center                                       105 SW 128 St                                                 12pm-7pm

Trenton Community                                      113 S Main St, Trenton                                    11am-5pm

UF Shands Hospital                                     1600 SW Archer Road                                     10am-5pm

The Oaks Mall                                               6419 Newberry Road                                      11am-5pm

UF Foundation                                              1938 W University Ave                                    1:30pm-5:30pm

Saturday, August 3

13th Street Donor Center                            1221 NW 13th Street                                         9am–2pm

Newberry Road Donor Center                     4039 Newberry Road                                         9am–2pm

Alachua Donor Center                                 15652 NW US Hwy. 441, Alachua                    9am–2pm

Chiefland Donor Center                               2202 N Young Blvd, Chiefland                          9am-2pm

Vet Fest                                                       6470 SW 80th Ave, Trenton                              9:30am-3pm

UF Urgent Care Eastside                            457 SE 20 St                                                      8am-2pm

ACE Hardware                                             251 E Walker Dr, Keystone Heights                 10am-4pm