As tropical storm Elsa approaches, LifeSouth is asking blood donors to help an already strained local and national blood supply by donating before the storm hits.

Donors are needed now to maintain our community’s blood supply and help local hospitals prepare. LifeSouth is the sole provider of blood to Oak Hill Hospital, Bayfront Health Brooksville, Bayfront Health Springhill, Moffitt Cancer Center and Citrus Memorial Hospital. Blood donated with LifeSouth directly helps patients at these hospitals.

Those who do not know their blood type or have never donated, now is a great time. Blood donors who have not donated recently are also encouraged to donate and consider donating platelets. Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo I.D. is also required.

For more information or to find a blood drive, call 888-795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org