LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is recognizing blood donors during National Blood Donor Month. The organization supplies blood to 70% of hospital beds in Northeast Florida, serving facilities such as 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. Donations made through LifeSouth directly benefit patients at these hospitals.
J.D. Pettyjohn, Chief Operating Officer of LifeSouth, said: “People donate blood for many important reasons. Everyone has their own ‘why,’ and we at LifeSouth are so incredibly grateful to all citizens who give their blood to save lives every day. This year, we are asking our donors to share their stories with us, so we can celebrate their ‘why” throughout the year to honor their act of service.”
Dr. Robert Zaiden, Medical Oncologist and Director of Infusion Centers at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center stated: “For many people undergoing cancer treatment, blood transfusions are an essential part of their care. If you know someone who has received treatment for cancer, it is likely they received a blood transfusion. Nearly 25% of all donated blood nationally is used to support patients with cancer, and each donation helps someone stay on track with treatment. Local donors are heroes in the world of oncology.”
National Blood Donor Month began in January 1970 following a proclamation by President Richard Nixon and is now in its 56th year. The event highlights the importance of blood donors for public health during a period when many centers face shortages.
This year’s observance emphasizes the need for all blood types to ensure adequate supply for local patients. Donors will receive a commemorative sweatshirt; those donating platelets or double red cells will get a $40 e-gift card while supplies last. LifeSouth is also providing complimentary A1c testing for all donors to help them learn about pre-diabetes or diabetes status along with other health indicators from a mini physical that includes cholesterol screening and checks on vital signs.
Residents interested in participating can find more information or schedule appointments by calling LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, visiting www.lifesouth.org or using the LifeSouth app.
