When traumas occur, it is first responders that answer the call, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers honors the work they do to help victims every day. During National Trauma Awareness Month and National EMS Week, community members encouraged to donate blood in support of emergency responders and trauma patients throughout May.

Blood donors who donate with LifeSouth during National EMS Week (May 18-24) will have an opportunity to donate toward police or fire, and the organization with the most donors will be announced at the World Police and Fire Games held in Birmingham, Alabama from June 27 to July 6. All blood donors who give blood at a LifeSouth donor center will receive a $25 e-gift card and a t-shirt, either red for fire or blue for police, commemorating the World Police and Fire Games.

LifeSouth provides blood to emergency medical teams, including ambulances and helicopters. Right now, all blood types are needed, especially type O donors and platelet donors. First time donors are welcome and encouraged to give.

Additionally, 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, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Blood donated with LifeSouth directly helps patients at these hospitals. To learn more or make an appointment at www.lifesouth.org.