Blood Shortage, Donors Needed; Florida Faces A Critical Shortage

Jacksonville FL

21 March, 2022

5:43 PM

Description

Press release from the JAX Chamber: March 21, 2022 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — March 21, 2022 — Blood donors are needed as the nation and local communities continue to feel the impact of blood shortages. In Florida, the state is hovering between a two- and one-day blood supply or less, according to America's Blood Centers (ABC). Hospitals in Jacksonville are seeing an increase in blood usage for patient care, and blood donors of all types are urged to donate soon to meet the increased need. "At this time, we are seeing a substantial increase in our patient's need for blood," said Matt Zuino, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Baptist Health. "Everyone who gives blood at this time will make an impact on saving lives at a critical moment." All blood types are needed to help support the local blood supply, ensuring hospitals have the blood required on a daily basis to treat trauma cases, surgical procedures and patients needing blood transfusions. Donating blood is safe, takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Blood donors who give with LifeSouth serve patients at Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital and Wolfson Children's Hospital. "Blood donors are needed now more than ever to make sure blood is ready when patients are in need," said JD Pettyjohn, LifeSouth's Chief Operating Officer. "Many people only think of donating blood during a tragedy or disaster, but blood donors are needed every day to meet the needs of patients. Right now, hospitals are counting on local donors to help us maintain an adequate supply." Blood can be donated after receiving the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines for COVID-19 or the flu vaccination. All blood donors receive a thank you gift, refreshments and a mini-physical, including cholesterol, iron level, temperature and blood pressure. Find a blood drive or donor center near you at lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online. How to Donate: Visit a LifeSouth donor center or bloodmobile. To find a location near you visit lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707. Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo I.D. is required. Where to Donate: Northeast Florida Donor Center (7840 Baymeadows Way): Fleming Island Donor Center (1605 County Rd. 220, Unit 160) Julington Creek Donor Center (445 SR 13, Suite 25) Find a Blood Drive: March 22 March 23: March 24: March 25: March 26: March 27: March 28: March 29: March 30: April 3: April 5: For more information, including donor eligibility requirements, donor center hours and blood drive locations, visit lifesouth.org. About LifeSouth: LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 125 hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author's own.