Blood donations drop in the summer as the need for blood increases, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers asks the community to help by donating blood. 

Summer is a slow time for blood donations due to travel, school 

breaks and weather. As the official and only blood provider for St. 

Francis-Emory Healthcare, LifeSouth relies on blood donors to 

make sure blood is available before it is needed. 

“The need for blood never takes a vacation, and we need blood 

donors everyday to make sure we are able to meet the needs of 

the hospitals we serve and their patients,” said Sharon Carpenter, 

LifeSouth District Director. “Now is a great time to donate blood 

and help save lives right here in the Columbus community.”

Now through, August 31, all donors will receive at $20 e-gift 

card and donors who give platelets or double red cells will receive 

an additional $20 e-gift card. First time donors are encouraged to 

try blood donation, and LifeSouth asks regular donors to come to 

a blood drive or blood donor center and bring a friend. All donors 

also receive a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen. 

Donors must be at least 17, or 16 with parental permission, 

weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo 

ID is needed. LifeSouth’s donor center in Columbus is located at 

4519 Woodruff Road and open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 

6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information 

about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth 

toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments 

can also be made online.