LifeSouth reports it is facing an emergency need for blood donors – especially type O positive – and Franklin Countians can help at one several local upcoming drives.

According to LifeSouth, hospitals have resumed normal operations, but donations continue to decline because of COVID-19. Schools, businesses community events and churches that used to hold blood drives regularly are unable to because of closures and limited hours.

LifeSouth is warning that if donations do not increase, patient care could be affected.

“Although blood shortages are anticipated during summer months, this time of year we generally see an ample supply,” said JD Pettyjohn, vice president of operations for LifeSouth, “but because of COVID, we can’t hold our normal blood drives, including high school and college blood drives.

Pettyjohn said LifeSouth is “in dire need” of blood donors. “Patients in our local hospitals rely on blood to survive, and there is no substitute for blood donations. This is why blood donors are so important.”

Right now LifeSouth has a critically low supply of O positive blood. Type O positive blood is the most transfused type and critical for accident and trauma patients.

LifeSouth asks all blood donors, especially O positive donors, to come in and donate and reminds the public that it is safe to donate blood.

Make an appointment to donate by visiting www.lifesouth.org or calling 1-888-795-2707.

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood center serving 17 north Alabama hospitals, including Russellville Hospital, as well as other hospitals across Alabama, Florida and Georgia.