LifeSouth Named Blood Provider for USA Health Providence Hospital, Calls for Mobile Donors

MOBILE, Ala. — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has been selected as the official blood provider for USA Health Providence Hospital, and the nonprofit blood bank is using the new partnership to ask Mobile-area residents to roll up their sleeves.

LifeSouth, a nonprofit community blood center with locations throughout Alabama, will supply blood products to the west Mobile hospital. At the same time, it is urging donors of all blood types, including people who have never given before, to donate in support of every hospital in the Mobile area.

A local partnership

Leaders on both sides described the arrangement as a way to keep local blood supporting local patients.

“We see this as a true community partnership, and we are honored to be of service to USA Health Providence Hospital and continue to support the Mobile community,” said Marty Pittman, LifeSouth district director. “As a community blood center our focus is local donors helping local patients.”

Josh Snow, market CEO of USA Health Providence Hospital, said the agreement helps make sure blood is on the shelf when patients need it.

“Our partnership with LifeSouth helps ensure lifesaving blood is available when our patients need it most,” Snow said. “We encourage our community to give blood and make a difference in the lives of patients across our region.”

Providence Hospital is part of USA Health, the academic health system of the University of South Alabama, which also operates University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile.

Why the need is constant

Blood cannot be manufactured, so hospitals depend entirely on volunteer donors. LifeSouth notes that someone needs blood every two seconds, yet only about 3 percent of Americans donate, even though roughly 65 percent are eligible.

Donated blood is used for patients facing a wide range of medical situations, including traumatic injuries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. Because blood components have limited shelf lives, with platelets lasting only a matter of days, blood centers need a steady flow of donors every day rather than occasional surges.

November thank-you gifts for donors

LifeSouth is offering extra incentives to donors in November:

• Every blood donor will receive a special T-shirt.
• Donors who give a double red cell donation or a platelet donation will receive a $40 e-gift card as a thank-you.
• All donors receive refreshments and a free mini-physical that includes cholesterol, A1c, iron level, temperature and blood pressure.

The mini-physical gives donors a quick look at several common health measures. A1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over the previous few months, while cholesterol and blood pressure are key indicators of heart health. The screening is not a substitute for regular checkups with a doctor, but it can flag numbers worth discussing with a health care provider.

Types of donations

Donors can give in several ways, and blood centers can help each donor choose the type that does the most good based on blood type and eligibility.

• Whole blood: The most common type of donation, in which about a pint of blood is collected. Under federal rules, whole blood donors generally must wait 56 days between donations.
• Double red cell: An automated process collects two units of red blood cells while returning plasma and platelets to the donor. Because more red cells are collected, donors wait longer between these donations.
• Platelets: Platelets help blood clot and are especially important for cancer patients, surgery patients and people with certain blood disorders. Platelet donations use an automated process and can be made more frequently than whole blood donations.

What to expect at a donation

For first-time donors, the process is straightforward. A visit typically begins with registration and a short, confidential health history questionnaire. Staff then perform the mini-physical, checking temperature, blood pressure and iron level to make sure it is safe to donate.

The donation itself is the shortest part of the visit. A whole blood donation usually takes about 10 minutes once the needle is in place, while automated donations such as platelets or double red cells take longer because blood is drawn and returned through a machine. Afterward, donors are asked to rest briefly and have a snack and something to drink before leaving.

Most donors can return to normal activities the same day, though blood centers generally advise avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day and drinking extra fluids.

Where to donate

LifeSouth operates donor centers in Mobile, Loxley, Foley, Daphne and Pensacola. The organization also holds mobile blood drives at businesses, churches, schools and community events throughout the region.

Prospective donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating and bring a photo ID. Eligibility requirements for age, weight and health history apply, and potential donors with questions about medications, recent travel or medical conditions can check with LifeSouth staff before giving.

About LifeSouth

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is a nonprofit community blood bank that serves more than 200 hospitals and emergency service providers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. The organization says it is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing high-quality blood components and services, and to making sure blood is available when a patient needs it.

As a community blood center, LifeSouth relies on donors in the areas it serves to supply the hospitals in those same communities. With the addition of USA Health Providence Hospital, blood given by Mobile and Baldwin County donors will continue to support patients close to home.