Local blood supplier LifeSouth is set to hold a mobile blood drive at the Gainesville Department of Water Resources Building on Queen City Parkway on July 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blair Hickerson, Regional Manager for Lifesouth Community Blood Centers in Northeast Georgia shared with AccessWDUN the summertime season marks one of the highest peaks for the need of blood, but also the time where donation rates are at their lowest.
Blood donations tend to slow down for a variety of reasons, including the hot weather, and some of the main places for collection, such as schools, closing for the summer.
“We actually collect about 20% of our blood at high schools and colleges,” Hickerson said. “During the summertime people aren't in school, so we can't get blood that way. And then, many of our regular donors that would normally come in every eight weeks, they're on vacation that eighth week”
Hickerson emphasized summer travel also contributed to the constant need for blood.
“Of course, there are more people out on the roads traveling, there's more car accidents,” she said. “More people tend to have elective surgery in the summertime. It just always, always leads to really ,an emergency in the summer months.”
The downward trend of blood donations began to become a concern around the time of the pandemic, with LifeSouth reporting only 10% of the population giving blood each year nationwide. It’s estimated someone in the country is in need of blood every two seconds, and the average roadway accident may require as many as 100 units of blood to treat blood loss, according to the organization.
Hickerson encouraged all eligible individuals to consider donating, highlighting that despite the O Negative type being able to aid universally, and O Positive being the most common blood type, all types are needed.
“Every unit of blood that we collect is precious and it is the answer to someone's prayers,” she said. “...Everything that we collect with LifeSouth stays local. We are the number one supplier of Children’s HealthCare of Atlanta. So, anyone that knows a child that has needed surgery or is battling cancer or leukemia, it is vitally important that they come out and donate to help those people.”
LifeSouth estimates one blood donation could potentially help three seperate patients.
As community members prepare to participate in the blood drive, Hickerson advised donors to hydrate and eat a meal prior to their appointment, and come prepared with a photo ID.
For those who may be unable to attend the drive on July 9, Hickerson emphasized that those interested can donate blood at one of seven donor centers throughout Georgia. To find a center near you, click here.
The organization will also run a promotion from July 1 through July 6 where all donors will receive a $25 e-gift card for donating whole blood.Those who donate platelets, plasma or double red blood cells will also receive an additional $20 e-gift card.
LifeSouth is a 501(c)(3) community blood supplier serving hospitals in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The organization provides about 750 units of blood per week to Georgia hospitals alone.
LifeSouth’s Gainesville donor location is located at 1200 McEver Road, Gainesville Ga, 30504.
