LifeSouth facing ‘critical blood shortage’ during summer months

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of life.

Blood banks like LifeSouth say fear of catching the virus is keeping donors away.

LifeSouth reports donations are down about 25 percent.

Karen Patterson says the timing couldn’t be worse with it being during the summer months. ”A lot of people are on vacation, schools are not holding campus sessions right now, and a lot of students are doing online learning,” Patterson said.

As most donors are between the ages of 18 and 25, Patterson says LifeSouth is really feeling the pinch. ”If there was to be a bad car accident or an act of violence, it’s really important that we have that blood here on the shelves, and that’s why we’re in an emergency need,” she said.

LifeSouth says right now there are only two days left of blood supply, adding that this is especially concerning because other areas outside of Florida don’t have the resources to share with LifeSouth.

Dr. Sumant Lamba isn’t just a cardiologist at Memorial Hospital -- he’s a blood donor. ”Giving back to humanity, you know, and doing something that is completely selfless and harmless,” he said.

If it weren’t for people giving their blood, some loved ones of his wouldn’t be here today. ”My relatives and loved ones have, my friends have been in accidents,” Lamba said.

LifeSouth says just one donation -- just 45 minutes of a person’s time -- can save three people’s lives.LifeSouth has shared multiple locations you can go to donate blood.

Remember, donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health.

A photo ID is needed. 

LifeSouth’s donor center(s) in Northeast Florida are located at: 7840 Baymeadows Way: Open Monday through Friday. Daily operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

800 Prudential Drive (inside Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville): Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday and Wednesday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday hours are 12 to 7 p.m.

LifeSouth’s bloodmobiles will also be out at many locations in coming days, including:

July 1:

• Memorial Hospital, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Walmart on Collins Road, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Walmart in Durbin Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 2:

• Memorial Hospital, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Starbucks in MacClenny, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 3:

• Lake City Chamber of Commerce on South Marion Avenue, 4 to 9 p.m.

• Flamingo Lake RV Resort, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Freedom Fest in Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

July 4:

• Walmart on Shops Lane, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 3 to 10 p.m.July 5:

• Publix at Island Walk in Fernandina Beach, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Walmart at 8808 Beach Boulevard, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Burlington at Durbin Pavilion, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.

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