Nonprofits ask people to consider donating for World Blood Donor Day

ALABAMA (WHNT) – June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, and Blood Assurance and LifeSouth are encouraging everyone to donate and advocate.

According to a letter sent to Congress by America’s blood centers – including Blood Assurance and LifeSouth – only 3% of Americans donate blood each year, despite the FDA expanding the pool of eligible donors.

Blood donations also tend to decrease during the summer, while the need for blood remains.

Blood donors must be 17 years old or 16 years old with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate blood. Photo ID is also required.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, which serves many local hospitals, is encouraging people to donate as the community’s blood supply has reached emergency levels, particularly Type O blood.

LifeSouth donors are eligible to receive a $25 e-gift card when they give, and people who donate platelets or double red blood cells can receive an additional $20 e-gift card. Those who donate at a donor center can also receive a hat, while supplies last.

News 19 has compiled a list of LifeSouth donor centers you can visit to donate blood below.

Blood Assurance is a full-service, regional, not-for-profit blood center serving hospitals across North Alabama and will host two donation events in DeKalb County for World Blood Donor Day.

The first event will take place at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, located at 2801 Jordan Road Fort Payne, AL 35967, on Thursday, June 13 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The second will take place at Foodland in Rainsville, which can be found at 318 McCurdy Avenue North Rainsville, AL 35986, Friday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Each donation has the potential to save up to three lives, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to consider donating blood,” said Garry Allison, senior vice president of operations at Blood Assurance.

Additionally, Blood Assurance announced it will offer $20 e-gift cards to all O-negative donors through this Friday. Anyone who donates blood in June will receive a color-changing mug and towel with the “United We Give” design – while supplies last.

To see if Blood Assurance has a donor center near you or make an appointment, click here.