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LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is urging residents to donate blood following the disruption caused by Winter Storm Enzo. The snow and ice caused by the storm has led to canceled blood drives and transportation challenges causing the loss of hundreds of blood donations leaving the region facing a critical blood shortage.

“We are in urgent need of blood donations to ensure that local hospitals have the supplies they need to care for patients,” said Sharon Carpenter, District Director for LifeSouth. “The week’s storm has severely impacted our ability to collect blood, and we need the community’s help now more than ever.”

Hospitals and emergency medical services need blood ready and available to treat unexpected traumas. It is the blood at hospitals and on vehicles that can make the difference between life and death for many patients.

The storm’s effects have led to closures of schools, businesses, and blood drive venues, and the hazardous weather conditions have made it difficult for many donors to reach donation sites. LifeSouth is asking all who can donate to make an appointment or come into one of its local donation centers or attend a mobile blood drive when conditions improve.

Donating blood takes about an hour, and each donation can help save multiple lives. The organization is especially in need of all blood types, with a focus on O-negative and O-positive blood.

How to Donate:

• To find a nearby donation center, visit www.lifesouth.org or call 1-888-795-2707.
• Blood donations can also be made at LifeSouth’s mobile blood drives, which will resume once weather conditions allow.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.lifesouth.org.