United Blood Services of Lafayette is asking area residents to donate blood to help those parts of the US affected by Winter Storm Jonas.

The storm brought crippling snow, heavy icing and blizzard conditions to more than 65 million Americans in 18 states in the south and along the East Coast.

As members of Blood Systems, United Blood Services has shared blood, staff, equipment, materials and lab capacity to quickly restore blood availability and services to local communities.

'As things get back to normal, blood use will jump as surgeries and treatment that were put on hold get rescheduled,' said Mitzi Breaux, Marketing and Communications Manager with United Blood Services. Of course, this storm brought blood donations there to a standstill, and we want to be sure we are ready to help fill that gap.'

The blood center at 1503 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette will be open Monday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. , Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Those who wish to help may call 1-877-827-4376 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org to make an appointment to give.

Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate by clicking here.

Blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Donors receive a free cholesterol test.

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