Responding to a critical need for blood donations in the local area, Baldwin EMC is collaborating with LifeSouth to address the shortage through an emergency blood drive.

The cooperative will host the blood drive at its headquarters office in Summerdale tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mark Ingram, Baldwin EMC Vice President of Corporate Services and Public Relations, expressed the cooperative's commitment to community service, especially in times of urgent need.

“Giving back to the community is one of Baldwin EMC’s core values, especially when there is a critical need. So, when LifeSouth reached out to us and told us how low their supplies were, we knew we had to help,” Ingram said in a news release. “We’re hoping that members of the co-op and of the entire community will find time to stop by our training center on Highway 59 and donate. Just one pint can save up to three lives.”

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be present at the Baldwin EMC training center to collect blood donations. Individuals at least 17 years old, weighing 110 pounds, and in generally good health are invited to participate. All blood types are needed, and first-time donors are welcome. As an incentive, blood donors will receive a $25 e-gift card and will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

For additional information about the emergency blood drive, interested parties can call (251) 989-6247 or visit baldwinemc.com/community-impact/blood-drives/.