Residents donate enough blood to save 45 lives at Action News Jax, OneBlood “Spring into Action” blood drive

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Residents came out and donated blood for Action News Jax and OneBlood’s “Spring into Action” blood drive Tuesday.

OneBlood reports that in total, 24 people registered to donate blood and 15 were successful, giving enough blood to save 45 lives.

OneBlood says the other 9 people who didn’t successfully donate blood had low iron levels or abnormal body temperatures.

Steve Suhm is a three-time cancer survivor. Having been a blood recipient himself, paying it forward is invaluable.

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“You really should get out and give blood. People are in need and you never know when you or your family may need to have blood, and it’s just the kind thing to do for people,” Suhm said.

Blood banks across the nation are reporting shortages after many blood drives had to be canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just last month, Action News Jax told you about an emergency need for blood in Jacksonville. LifeSouth said blood supply reached a “critical point”.

For Betsi Scott, the importance of giving blood comes from a time when her dad was in need.

“My dad and I share the same blood type, so I used to donate when he had surgery, so I learned about the importance of donating blood,” Scott told Action News Jax.

Sebastian Thomay also donated blood because of a personal family connection. His mom has needed blood twice because of low iron levels.

“It’s helping people survive if they had an accident or something or cancer,” Thomay said.

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As for Suhm, giving back gives him hope.

“We need a little more humanity today,” Suhm said.

If you missed out on Tuesday’s blood drive, don’t worry, you can click on this link for a list of blood drives near you.

Cox Media Group