Blood donations sought for Ala.-Ga.

UNDATED - LifeSouth Community Blood Centers says the snowstorm that struck Georgia and Alabama has created a severe shortage of donated blood.

LifeSouth spokeswoman Tammy Barnes says many donor centers were closed on Monday and Tuesday, and hospitals are not stocked as they should be.

Barnes says LifeSouth was scheduled to collect more than 600 units in the early part of this week, but only could get 53. She says all types of blood are needed, and platelet donors are especially needed.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelets and is holding blood drives during extended hours through Sunday at the donation center in Gainesville Friday and Saturday 10:00a.m.-4:00 p.m.and Sunday, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

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