FLOOD IMPACTS LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY

Alexandria, La. –To maintain a stable blood supply, there is an immediate need for more blood donors. As a result of complications from the flooding, blood donations slowed significantly last week. In addition to the donors currently scheduled and projected for this week, more than 400 additional blood donations are needed to meet projected use for the month. Anyone 16 years or older that may be able to donate blood is asked to go to a LifeShare center or blood drive and make a blood donation in order to continue meeting patient needs and help the community remain prepared for increased blood needs in the area.

“We’ve had several canceled blood drives and center closures due to the road conditions. Our employees have been affected as well as the blood donors, but during this time patients have continued to use blood, projecting a shortage if there isn’t a substantial increase in blood donors this week,” says Tina Hooper, spokesperson for LifeShare Blood Centers.

Because of blood donations made in the weeks prior to the flooding, the supply has been able to support patient needs thus far. LifeShare is asking residents to be proactive by asking those who are eligible to donate to do so this week; all blood types are needed.

The donation center at 2051 North Mall Dr. in Alexandria opens at 9:00a.m. every day except for Sunday. Go to www.lifeshare.org and click “Find a Blood Drive” to find blood drives open to the public in your area.

LifeShare Blood Centers regularly supplies blood components to 117 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, where its headquarters remains, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.