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Community blood centers concerned as blood supplies deplete

The organization said it is critically low on its supply of O positive blood, which is critical for accident and trauma patients.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is facing an emergency need for blood donors, especially type O positive, the organization said.

LifeSouth said that hospitals are resuming normal operations, but blood donations have continued to decline due to the coronavirus pandemic. The organization said it is worried that if donations don't increase, patient care could be affected.

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

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The organization said it is critically low on its supply of O positive blood, which is the most transfused type of blood and is critical for accident and trauma patients.

Click here to find the blood donation center or blood drive closest to you. You can schedule appointments online.

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