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As Tropical Storm Milton moves quickly towards Florida, blood donations are needed and Life South asks that people give blood now to help prepare as blood collections will be impacted during and after the storm.

In a press release from LifeSouth, it states, “It is important to build the blood supplies at hospitals before the storm comes ashore. Donating helps ensure blood will be available to help patients at local hospitals.”

LifeSouth is the blood provider to many local hospitals. All blood types are needed, especially type O donors and platelet donors. First time donors are welcome and encouraged to give.

This weeks local drives are:

4Thursday Oct. 10: WellStar/West GA Hospital from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and EAMC from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

4Friday Oct. 11: Opelika Public Library from 9am-4pm.

4 Saturday Oct. 12: True Deliverance Holiness Church of Auburn from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and The Farm at Rocky Top in Salem from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..

4Sunday Oct. 13: The Valley Local, Inc from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Lanett.

To find more blood drives or to learn more about the donation process, call LifeSouth’s toll-free number, 1-888-795- 2707 or visit www.lifesouth. org .