As a significant storm and hurricane threatens the southeastern United States, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is urging blood donors to help by donating blood.

LifeSouth officials report the storm could not come at a worse time, as blood supplies are low, and the storm will impact much needed blood drives across Florida, Georgia and parts of Alabama over the week. The fallout from the storm, including flooding, road closures and power outages can cease blood drives for days, causing blood supplies to drop to dangerous levels.

Blood donors are needed every day to make sure blood is available to help patients in local hospitals. There is no substitute for human blood, and patients rely on blood donations from healthy individuals. Donating ensures blood will be available to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses. Currently, all blood types are needed.

All blood donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, with platelet and double red cell donations receiving a $40 e-gift card for their generosity. Additionally, donors will receive a special pin honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and a wellness screen prior to donation.

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 more information, visit www.lifesouth.org.