Hospitals across Florida are in emergency need of blood and seeking support from LifeSouth, amidst a recent cyber attack against another major blood supplier in the state. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has not been affected by this attack; the nonprofit community blood bank is fully functional and urging all in the community to take action by donating at a local donor center or blood drive near them. LifeSouth is currently helping hospitals throughout the state, in addition to its network of hospital partners in Northeast Florida.

Due to the current low supply of blood, LifeSouth urges the community to help make sure that blood is ready and available for patients. This blood aids trauma centers, pediatric hospitals, patients awaiting transplants, open heart surgeries and emergency medical services, to name a few.

All who donate will receive a $20 e-gift card that can be redeemed at hundreds of retailers and restaurants. If a donor gives a double red cell donation or a platelet donation, they will receive a $40 e-gift card for their immense generosity. In addition to an e-gift card, donors will receive refreshments and a mini-physical including cholesterol, iron level, temperature and blood pressure.

LifeSouth asks those who do not regularly donate, have not donated in a while or are first-time donors to make a point to do so now. Frequent blood donors are strongly encouraged to come in and bring a friend. All blood types are needed and accepted, but type O negative and positive, as well as platelets are critically low in supply.

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.

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.