MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. — Summer means a decrease in blood donations and an increase in blood need. It's not just a national problem; it's an issue here in the Tennessee Valley.
According to LifeSouth, the need for blood has increased this summer as more people seek medical care and have elective surgeries they put off due to the COVID pandemic. They say maintaining a stable blood supply makes sure blood is available when needed for victims of accidents, those having surgery or patients being treated for cancers and other illnesses. 17 North Alabama hospitals have also expressed concern about blood supplies as the need for blood transfusions increases.
Kami May, District Community Development Coordinator with LifeSouth, says, "It takes just a small part of your day to make a huge difference. I now there's a lot of people that are terrified of needles, but I like to tell people not to think about that needle, just think about that need."
All blood types are needed. If you've had a COVID vaccine, you can donate if you are symptom-free and feel well at the time of donation. If you've had COVID but it's been at least 14 days since diagnosis or symptoms, you can donate.
All donors receive a thank you gift, and a mini-physical, including COVID-19 antibody test, 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 needed.
Special blood drives are being held in the Shoals area in Russellville, Haleyville, Muscle Shoals, and Florence.
Special BloodMobile locations and blood drives are also taking place in Madison, Decatur, Albertville, Florence, and Cullman.