LifeSouth faces critical blood shortage in Alabama, urges O-negative donors to step up

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Blood supplies across Alabama have dropped to critical levels, with reserves of life-saving Type O-negative blood falling below a single-day supply, according to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

While the blood bank typically aims to maintain a three- to five-day reserve, LifeSouth officials say inventory has reached an uncomfortably low level.

“We are actually right below a one-day supply in our O-negative, and we’re looking at a two- and three-day supply for all of our other blood types,” said Melinda Hinds, recruitment manager for LifeSouth. “That is not a comfortable place to be.”

Hinds noted that O-negative donors have what amounts to a superpower during medical emergencies. Because O-negative red blood cells lack antigens that trigger harmful immune responses in incompatible recipients, the blood can safely be transfused to patients of any blood type when seconds count and doctors do not have time to cross-match.

“If you were born with O-negative blood, you’re like an angel on Earth is what we always say, because you can save anyone,” Hinds said. “Your blood can save any blood type.”

Emergency rooms and trauma centers rely heavily on having those universal units ready and available on the shelf before an unexpected crisis hits local communities.

Although the need for O-negative donors is most pressing, officials stressed that people of every blood type should give, noting that hospitals require a steady daily supply to treat ongoing patient needs.

For individuals who have never donated before, Hinds said the experience is far simpler than many expect, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish and offering the potential to save up to three lives.

Healthy donors are eligible to give whole blood once every 56 days, or roughly every eight weeks. All blood collected through LifeSouth stays directly in Alabama to support local hospitals and community healthcare facilities.

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