Channel: Lee Health

Category: Education

Tags: free mini-physicalblood transfusionpint of bloodtransfusionbloodmobilessave a lifelee health blood centerbloodblood supplylocal blood donationsnational blood centersno artificial substitutionblood shortagenational blood supplyblood donation

Description: Lee Health Blood Center Supervisor Jeremy Puckett said the current blood shortage is unlike anything he’s seen before. “I’ve been here almost 20 years, and it’s the craziest thing I’ve seen, especially over a long period of time,” said Puckett. Lee Health sources its blood supply from local donations and national blood centers, but over the last year, the national blood supply has started to dry up. “To go months without product nationally is scary, very scary,” said Puckett. When it comes to blood, there’s no artificial substitute. “If the blood is not here it’s not available to be transfused and it’s not going to come from anywhere else. That would be a devastating day to have to tell somebody that the blood transfusion to save their life is not going to happen,” said Puckett. That’s why Lee Health is relying on people in our community like Alex Marshall to voluntarily donate their blood. “You have to do it. Especially if you’re healthy you’re going to help people,” said Marshall. Donating is safe, quick, and easy. You’ll get a free mini-physical and fill out a health history questionnaire. Donors must be 16 years old, weigh 115 lbs, and be in general good health. Lee Health has 4 fixed sites and bloodmobiles out in the community. Just a single pint of blood can help save several lives. “Whatever is collected stays in this community…what you donate today could be in someone’s arm tomorrow saving their life,” said Puckett. Lee Health is in need of all blood products. It is an easy way to make a lasting impact in our community. You can learn more about donating on Leehealth.org. View More Health Matters video segments at LeeHealth.org/Healthmatters Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Lee Health - Caring People. Inspiring Care. Visit LeeHealth.org