LifeSouth Honors Local Donors During World Blood Donor Days, June 11-14

Press release from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
Local need for blood donations continues to be crucial to pandemic recovery
Blood donors have played a vital role in the global response to the coronavirus pandemic. Locally, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers celebrates blood donors every day, and especially on World Blood Donor Day (Monday, June 14, 2021).
World Blood Donor Day was first celebrated in May 2005, during the Fifty-Eighth World Health Assembly. Ministers of health from across the world made a unanimous declaration of commitment and support for voluntary blood donation. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Give Blood and Keep the World Beating” — a powerful message specifically targeted to the younger population and their role in improving public health. Over the past year, blood donors have supported the work of local hospitals that LifeSouth serves.
From June 11 through June 14, LifeSouth will celebrate World Blood Donor Days by providing all donors with a $20 e-gift card when they give at a LifeSouth donor center. LifeSouth’s Gainesville donor centers are located at 1221 NW 13th Street and 4039 Newberry Road, and the Alachua donor center is located at 15652 NW US Highway 441.
“Over this past year, we’ve seen firsthand how important blood donations are to public health,” said Lorrie Woods, District Director of LifeSouth. “Donating blood is a small act with a huge impact that goes directly back into our community and saves lives. We will continue to support those in need and encourage new donations each day.”
LifeSouth encourages Gainesville residents to celebrate the spirit of World Blood Donor Day in one of the following ways:
- Give Blood. Approximately 37 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, yet less than 10 percent donate annually. Whether you’re a regular or first-time donor, visiting one of LifeSouth’s donor centers or signature red, white, and blue bus is a powerful way to make a difference. LifeSouth has remained fully operational as an essential service provider throughout the coronavirus pandemic and assures all donors that it is safe to give blood.
- Host a Blood Drive. As the reopening of Florida’s economy continues, LifeSouth urges all businesses, organizations, churches, neighborhoods, and professional groups to consider hosting a blood drive to help ensure a safe and steady supply for local hospitals. LifeSouth provides planning support, donor recognition gifts, and snacks to make each drive a success. For more details, contact Laura Bialeck, lgbialeck@lifesouth.org.
- Share why you donate. One of the most common reasons why people don’t give blood is because they aren’t asked to. Sharing a personal story about why you donate can help encourage another person to donate, as well. Tag @LifeSouth in your story on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and use the hashtag #WorldBloodDonorDay.
To find a donor center or blood drive, or to learn more about hosting a blood drive, visit LifeSouth.org.