SGMC, LifeSouth to host 2nd annual Winnersville Classic Blood Drive

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VALDOSTA – South Georgia Medical Center and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers of Valdosta are partnering to host the second annual Winnersville Classic Blood Drive in October, officials said.

The Winnersville Classic Blood Drive initiative began as a way to get the community more engaged in blood donations last year, according to SMGC Marketing Manager Kara Hope Handson and LifeSouth Community Development Coordinator Laura Bialeck.

“We know that everyone loves a good competition and looks for unique ways to support their school and team,” Hanson said Tuesday afternoon.

SGMC’s partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers began in 2016 when the hospital named the center as its sole provider of blood supply.

Bialeck said the first Winnersville Blood Drive had a very good turnout with Valdosta City Schools Wildcats claiming the first place prize for donating the most blood.

“This is a joint partnership to get the community excited about donating blood while also helping to decrease the national blood shortage and to keep the local blood supply at a safe level,” Bialeck said in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.

The week-long event will be held at multiple locations during Winnersville Week, from Monday, Oct. 2, through Friday, Oct. 6, utilizing LifeSouth’s Bloodmobile. The blood drive seeks to rally students, faculty, and community supporters of both school systems to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life in honor of the Wildcats or Vikings.

The team that collects the most blood will be announced at the Winnersville football game on Friday, Oct. 6. All donors will receive a $20 e-gift card and a special Winnersville Classic T-shirt.

The drives will be held at the following locations:

Monday, Oct. 2 — Lowndes Board of Education, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3 – Winnersville Fitness, 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Valdosta High School, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5 – Walmart on Norman Drive, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6 – SGMC, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Blood donors must be at least 17 (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

For more information on donating blood, or to schedule an appointment to donate, call toll-free 888-795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.

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