Local blood supply centers are saying they have a dangerously low supply of blood platelets. LifeSouth Community Blood Center is asking the public to consider donating to help boost that supply.
"This is actually one of the lowest blood collections that we've seen, so this summer is just really critical," said Kyla Harris, the district community coordinator for LifeSouth. "It's been tough. People are on vacation, the schools are out... So we're really just trying to spread the word that we need the collections."
She said the pandemic is another factor that has been holding back donors. However, Harris said the blood bank is following COVID-19 protocols and that it is safe to donate blood.
As an incentive, LifeSouth is offering gift cards to donors. From now through the end of August, they are offering a $20 eGift card for everyone that donates platelets, in addition to the $10 eGift card for all donors. Anyone who donates on a weekend through August 14 will receive a $20 eGift card.
According to regional manager Blair Hickerson, platelets are very important. “The majority of the platelets that we collect go to serve young patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and right now our supply is dangerously low.”
LifeSouth will collect platelets at their centers in Gainesville and in Cumming. For those who are nervous about donating, Hickerson says the needle is smaller than the one used with whole blood donations. They also do everything they can to make sure donors are comfortable. “Platelet donation can take up to two hours but we supply big comfy recliners, fresh baked cookies, popcorn and have hundreds of movies to choose from,” Hickerson said. “Some of the companies that we partner with allow their staff to donate ‘on the clock’ as a perk to their employees and as a service to our community.”
While 16-year-olds can donate blood with their parents' permission, blood platelet donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors can donate platelets every two weeks. For more details, visit lifesouth.org.
