Blood shortage nears emergency levels

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - LifeSouth says a blood shortage that started during severe weather is approaching emergency levels.

The group has several blood drives scheduled as well as blood mobiles driving around the area.

J.B. Bowles, the Vice President of Operations of LifeSouth says that because schools let out and regular donors are travelling during their summer vacation. He also said the storms that hit the region earlier in June kept donors away.

“Right now, we are facing severe shortages for all blood types all across Alabama, Georgia and Florida,” Bowles said. “We are still trying to make up that deficit.”

Bowles said the only way to reach LifeSouth’s goal is to find new donors and for regulars to come back out to donate.

“Our goal is to keep every hospital supplied and have reserve blood on hand at LifeSouth, and right now there is no back up,” he said.

Donors must be 17 years old or older (16 with parental permission). They must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

To find a blood drive, call LifeSouth at 888-795-2707.

Donor Centers:

Mobile Regional Headquarters: 967 Hillcrest Road, Mobile:

Hours: Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call - 251-706-1470

Thomas Medical Center Donor Center - 750 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope:

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call - 251-990-8313

Daphne Donor Center - 6451 Merritt Blvd, Daphne:

Hours: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
251- 621-9644

Blood Drives:

Tuesday, June 19:

Mobile Airport Authority-Brookley Complex-West Side, 2455 Michigan Ave., Brookley Field, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Terry Thompson Chevrolet, 1402 U.S. Hwy 98, Daphne. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 20:

Compass Bank, 321 Bel Air Blvd. Mobile, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mostellar Medical Center, 12701 Padgett Switch Road, Irvington, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Infirmary Health System/Industrial Medical Clinic of Mobile, Dennis Moore Training Center, 200 Cox St., Mobile, 7 a.m. to 12 noon.

Thursday, June 21:

Williams Pipeline Community Blood Drive, 2222 Dauphin Island Parkway, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Baldwin Infirmary, 1815 Hand Avenue Bay Minette. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
RAC Health and Fitness, 18601 E. Silverhill Ave., Robertsdale. 2:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Friday, June 22
Gordon Oaks Retirement Community Health Fair, 3145 Knollwood Dr, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
North Baldwin Infirmary, 1815 Hand Avenue Bay Minette. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 301 Government St., Mobile 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.