As Easter weekend approaches, many are enjoying a spring break. But for our community’s hospitals, it is one of the most difficult times of the year. Schools and colleges close and people prepare for vacations, prompting a dramatic decline in the blood donations that are essential for our local hospitals to function. 

A rise in traffic accidents due to increased travel leads to a higher number of blood transfusions.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are in need of all blood types as the blood inventory continues to hover at emergency levels.

LifeSouth urges all eligible donors who are feeling healthy to come out and support their communities by donating blood as soon as possible. Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

LifeSouth is hosting a blood drive in Ozark today:

• Echo Store of Ozark from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please help LifeSouth build its supply of all blood types by donating at this drive.

For more information about LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, visit their website or call 334-260-0803.

Donors can also donate blood any time at the Donor Center in Montgomery.  It is located at 4193 Carmichael Road.

Source:  LifeSouth Blood Centers, Inc.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are in need of all blood types as the blood inventory continues to hover at emergency levels.

LifeSouth urges all eligible donors who are feeling healthy to come out and support their communities by donating blood as soon as possible. Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

LifeSouth is hosting a blood drive in Kinston today:

• Ino Baptist Church of Kinston from 3 p.m.