We received a message from Kim Edwards, Regional Manager with LifeSouth, with an urgent plea to spread the news regarding their blood shortage. "Blood shortages are impacting blood centers across the country, including Georgia," says Kim. "LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is facing an emergency need for all blood types. Local hospitals, such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Medical Center, North Fulton Regional, and Spalding Regional are just a few of the hospitals that rely on LifeSouth and blood donors. All blood types are necessary and donors are being asked to give now, ensuring all hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers, and chronic illnesses."

Here below is the Emergency Need news release from LifeSouth. Also, click here for a listing of all upcoming LifeSouth blood drives.
 
LifeSouth in emergency need for blood donors   National blood shortages are impacting blood centers across the country, and locally LifeSouth Community Blood Centers also faces an emergency need for all blood types.   Summer months take a toll on the blood supply, and this year has been especially difficult here in Georgia and across the country. Hospitals (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Medical Center, North Fulton Regional Hospital, Spalding Medical Center, and Sylvan Grove Hospital) rely on LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors to make sure blood is available before it is needed. All blood types are necessary, and donors are asked to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers, and chronic illnesses.    First-time donors are always welcome and encouraged to give blood donation a try. All donors receive a thank you gift, and a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level, and cholesterol screen.  
 
Donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is needed.   Atlanta Donor Center  McDonough Donor Center  Gainesville Donor Center 4891 Ashford Dunwoody Road  329 Westridge Parkway  1200 McEver Road Atlanta, GA  30338  McDonough, GA  30253  Gainesville, GA  30504 404-329-1994  678-432-0637  770-538-0500 
 
LifeSouth’s bloodmobiles will also be out at many locations in coming days (click here for a schedule of upcoming blood drives). For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online.  
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