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LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is urgently calling on all eligible blood donors to donate blood in the wake of last week’s ice storms, which prevented hundreds of scheduled donations. With another storm forecasted early next week, LifeSouth officials are raising alarm about the growing strain on the blood supply.

“We are asking for blood donations ahead of the storm to help our local hospitals,” said JD Pettyjohn, chief operating officer for LifeSouth. “The recent tragedy in New Orleans is a heartbreaking reminder that blood must be available before it is needed. There is no substitute for human blood, and local blood donors are a critical part of healthcare in our community.”

Blood donations are also essential for EMS crews to carry blood to treat trauma patients on site, and for area hospitals to maintain the supply needed to treat traumas and health issues requiring blood transfusions. LifeSouth officials stress that blood donors mean the difference between life and death for patients in critical need.

Blood products have a limited shelf life, with local hospitals and blood centers only maintaining a three to five-day supply of type O blood. A tragedy or another storm that disrupts donations could have dangerous consequences for patient care.

Friday, Jan. 24

Kroger of Dean Rd in Auburn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT

Piggly Wiggly of Opelika from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT

Saturday, Jan. 25

Trinity Lutheran Church of Auburn from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT

Asian Supermarket in Opelika from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Sunday, Jan. 26

Piggly Wiggly of LaGrange from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT

Best Buy in Tiger Town (Opelika) from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Monday, Jan. 27

Target of Opelika – Enterprise Dr from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT

Wednesday, Jan. 29

Winn-Dixie – Opelika from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT

Friday, Jan. 31

Walmart – 20th Ave – Valley 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

West Smiths Station Elementary School

8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Best Buy – Tiger Town Pkwy – Opelika 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Kroger – S. Gilmer St. – Lanett Mobile Drive 4.87 Miles 02/03/2025

11:30 am – 5:30 pm

Target – Enterprise Dr – Opelika Mobile Drive 17.45 Miles 02/04/2025

11:30 am – 4:30 pm

Mando – Opelika Mobile Drive 9.82 Miles 02/06/2025

6:30 am – 4:30 pm