Blood donations have declined and blood usage at local hospitals has increased, which has led to a summer blood shortage. Without an adequate blood supply, patient care can and will be affected. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is urging the community to donate now.

LifeSouth reports that there is an emergency need for all blood types in order to help patients in local hospitals. LifeSouth supplies blood to 70% of Northeast Florida hospital beds through its service to many regional hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center Clay County, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. These hospitals are relying on LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors to make sure blood is available before it is needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses.

All donors will receive a $20 e-gift card and double red cell and platelet donors receive a $40 e-gift card, in addition to a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen.

For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, visit www.lifesouth.org or download the LifeSouth app. Appointments can also be made online. Donor centers across Northeast Florida and information on mobile blood drives happening across the region can be found at www.lifesouth.org.