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LifeSouth blood bank
As Putnam County residents scramble to prepare for Hurricane Dorian, officials at the area’s blood bank are asking those able to make time to donate blood.
Laura Bialeck, district community development coordinator at LifeSouth blood bank, said storms typically increase the need
for blood products while making it more difficult for people to donate, causing critical shortages.
“People are really busy preparing for the storm,” Bialeck said. “They’re getting their all of their shopping for the storm done and getting gas, and their attention is on other things besides donating blood.”
During Hurricane Irma in 2017, the LifeSouth had to close its collection centers, creating a massive shortage, Bialeck said.
On Friday, county officials said Dorian’s landfall was expected on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“We’re asking people to come in now and donate before Dorian hits to make sure that all the hospitals have the blood that they need,” Bialeck said.
The blood bank currently has backorders on most blood products, and shortages of platelets and RH-negative blood were particularly acute, she said.
“For someone who hasn’t donated blood before, this is a perfect time,” Bialeck said. “For someone who hasn’t donated blood in a while, please come back. The community really needs you.”
LifeSouth is located at 6003 Crill Ave. in Palatka. For information, call 328-7299.