LEE COUNTY, FLA — Leaders with the Lee Health say things are slowing down at their blood donation centers.
"He at lee memorial on average we see about 12 donors on regular weekday and today we've had one person walk in," said Jeremy Puckett, the Lee Health Blood Center Supervisor.
Puckett the deceases is linked to fears about COVID-19.
"I don't necessarily think it's a lot of sick people, it's more 'I don't want to be around everyone else,'" said Puckett.
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With several donation events already canceled in the community, Lee Health is concerned about a possible blood shortage.
Puckett wants to remind people that if coming to a hospital is too much right now , they ask that you consider donating at their off campus sites or at one of their buses.
"Here at lee health everything that we collect stays in the community and goes out to the hospitals we serve," said Puckett.
The hospitals they serve say the need is great.
"It's the everyday usage, it's the trauma victims, the cancer patients that are getting blood everyday that we're really trying to collect for," said Puckett.
But they also want to remind you at home of a few other things, you have to be healthy to donate and whatever blood you give won't be tested for COVID-19.
"We're not a testing facility, we don't want people coming in thinking that they're going to get a corona test. It doesn't exist, not gonna happen."
For more information on Lee Health's blood donation centers, click here.
