Blood Needed Across Alabama

In the wake of the deadly tornadoes that swept through Alabama on Monday, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers says that blood donors are needed immediately to meet a shortage of blood statewide.

“The tornadoes didn’t cause an increase in the usage of blood, but the devastation severely hampered our donors’ ability to make it to our donor centers and our bloodmobiles, especially in Central and Northern Alabama,” said LifeSouth’s Director of District Operations J.D. Pettyjohn. “While all blood types are needed, the need for donors with negative blood types is especially great.”

LifeSouth is the largest supplier of blood products in the state of Alabama. Pettyjohn said the current shortage has impacted the entire state, not just areas affected by Monday’s storms.

Donors must be 17, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also needed. Call LifeSouth toll-free at 1-888-795-2707, or go to www.lifesouth.org to find a blood drive near you.