This week on WCLK's The Local Take(Saturdays 8am), we focus on a urgent shortage of blood and blood products needed in the Atlanta Community. I spoke with Kyla Harris, Community Development Director for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. We talked about the importance of donating blood, why all races and ethnic groups should give blood, and current misinformation out there about donating blood. Example: It is safe to donate blood if you have had your COVID-19 vaccination.
Atlanta's Jazz Station 91.9 WCLK. LifeSouth would like to thank those blood donors who have donated to help the community blood supply and the emergency need for blood; however, the need for all blood types continues as there still are local and national blood shortages.
Unlike some blood banks, the blood donated to LifeSouth is used only in the Atlanta community.
LifeSouth blood donors help patients at our local hospitals such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Medical Center, North Fulton Regional Hospital, Spalding Medical Center, and Sylvan Grove Hospital. The recent drop in donations has caused the blood supply to dip below a two day supply. It is important to maintain over a two day supply to make sure blood is available when needed for victims of accidents, those having surgery or patients being treated for cancer and other illnesses.
Donors are invited to stop by a LifeSouth location or blood drive. It is a great time to become a blood donor, or for regular blood donors to donate and bring a friend.
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 required. LifeSouth donor centers are listed below. LifeSouth’s bloodmobiles will also be out at many locations in coming days. 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.