With a potential hurricane threatening North Florida and the Southeastern United States, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers urges donors to give blood before the storm hits.

With blood supplies already low, LifeSouth officials are reporting that the storm could not come at a worse time and will impact much-needed blood drives throughout Florida, Georgia and parts of Alabama over the week.

The storm fallout, which includes road closures, power outages and flooding, can cease blood drives for days, leading to blood supplies dropping to dangerously low levels.

Blood donors are needed daily to make sure local hospitals – such as UF Health Shands Hospital, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital and the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center – has blood available to help patients suffering from chronic illnesses, cancers and traumas.

Each blood donor will receive a $20 e-gift card, platelet and double red cell donation donors will receive da $40 e-gift card and all donors receive a special pin honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month along with a wellness screen prior to donation.

To find a blood drive close to you or to learn about the donation process, call LifeSouth at 888-795-2707 or make an appointment at www.lifesouth.org.