Lifesouth: emergency blood shortage affetcing area

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Blood shortages across the Southeast have reached a level of emergency need, according to LifeSouth  officials.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers said there is a need for all blood types as inclement weather from a cold front is expected to further impact a blood shortage across the region.

Galen Unold, director of donor recruitment and retention with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, says the cold front and snow will mean blood drives in many affected communities could be canceled.

“This is coming at a time when supplies were already low because of reduced donations during the winter holidays,” Unold said. “Meanwhile, blood usage at many of our hospitals is far above normal, making the shortage even more serious.”

Unold said all blood types are needed, but blood types AB-positive and negative, and O-negative are in shortest supply.

He said all the LifeSouth donor centers expect to be open on Friday, and where possible the bloodmobiles will be available for donors. Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

For information about donating, donors can call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707