LifeSouth Community Blood Center is urging eligible individuals to donate blood during the holiday season, citing an increased need for blood at local hospitals and a national decline in donations due to travel, busy schedules, and seasonal illnesses.
According to LifeSouth, all blood donated stays within the donor’s community and supports patients at area hospitals. The organization serves as the main blood provider for several Northeast Florida hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
“Blood donated at LifeSouth stays in the donor’s community, allowing locals to save local lives daily. During this time of year, the need for blood at local hospitals increases, while nationally donations decline due to travel, busy schedules, and seasonal illness. LifeSouth encourages all eligible and first-time donors to give this holiday season and help support our community’s hospitals and patients,” the organization stated.
Donors can contribute by visiting a LifeSouth donor center or one of its mobile units. Locations can be found on their website lifesouth.org or by calling 888-795-2707. Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission), weighing a minimum of 110 pounds, being in good health, and presenting a photo ID.
The main donation center is located at 7840 Baymeadows Way in Jacksonville. Information about hours of operation is available on their website.
Visual assets related to the campaign are accessible online through this Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qfau6ldol6vean5v5oyqa/ACStD8A040nNRN0RI2zkD4I?rlkey=wbvuduur6yj5p2zthrozaghhh&st=cpmiihgo&dl=0
