The Governor’s Office is holding a statewide blood drive today amid a supply shortage following Hurricane Harvey. Tina Martinez with LifeShare Blood Centers says because of the hurricane’s destruction, many communities have not been able to donate blood to support the medical needs of local patients.
Blood drive locations have been set up in all the major Louisiana cities, and donors can also go by any LifeShare location to donate. Martinez says this is a great way for people to help those affected by the storm, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Martinez notes there’s no other source for blood. It can’t be manufactured, so it has to be donated. She says about 40 percent of the population is eligible to donate, and all blood types are needed.
Donors in Monroe can give blood at the Northeast Louisiana State Office Building (Old St. Farm Building) on Accent Drive, just off U.S Highway 165.