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COVID-19 has shut down schools, churches and businesses for about two months. These closures cut numerous blood drives, which is one of the main suppliers for LifeSouth.

Even though it did not shut down due to COVID-19, LifeSouth is experiencing blood shortages.

“We are so grateful to our donors who came in to donate as our community was first impacted by COVID-19, and we ask blood donors and those who have not given before to continue to help,” Director of Outreach with LifeSouth Brite Whitaker said in a press release. “We want to make sure the blood is on the shelves when our local patients need it most.”

LifeSouth serves local hospitals like East Alabama Medical Center and WellStar West Georgia Medical. Since Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced elective surgeries can start taking place again, local hospitals have increased their need for a steady blood supply.

While all blood is needed, LifeSouth is in critical need of Type O and B donors.

COVID-19 is not transmitted through blood donation or reception.

To ensure a safe experience while donating, LifeSouth is enforcing social distancing, implementing heightened sanitation protocols and encourages donors to wait in their cars until their scheduled time to donate.

Those wishing to donate must be at least 17-years-old (or 16 with parental permission) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo ID is required.

LifeSouth will hold a blood drive on Thursday starting at noon and running to 6 p.m. EST at the Kroger located on South Gilmore Street in Lanett.

More information about various blood drives can be found on the LifeSouth website.