FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OXFORD, Ala. — Oxford Health Systems Paramedic Service is partnering with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, August 6, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Quintard Mall, inviting residents to help replenish the regional blood supply during a time of increased need.
The LifeSouth bloodmobile will be located in the mall parking lot facing Quintard Avenue (Highway 21) and will be visible from the roadway throughout the event.
Oxford Paramedics, the emergency medical services division of the City’s healthcare authority, employs a unique team of critical care paramedics and emergency nurses who work together to deliver hospital-level care in a prehospital setting. As part of that advanced level of care, Oxford’s providers carry blood products on their emergency response vehicles, allowing them to begin lifesaving blood transfusions for critically injured and critically ill patients before they arrive at the hospital.
“The blood our providers carry begins with volunteer donors,” said Nikki Veldhousen, Director of Communications. “Every blood transfusion we provide in the field is only possible because someone in our community chose to donate. Those donors are the true heroes behind this lifesaving care.”
Oxford Health Systems partners with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to ensure blood products are available for patients throughout the region. While Oxford’s emergency teams utilize blood products during critical emergencies, donations collected by LifeSouth support the regional blood supply, benefiting hospitals, emergency medical services, and patients across East Alabama.
The blood drive comes at an especially important time. LifeSouth recently issued a call for additional donors as blood supplies continue to face seasonal and national shortages. While all blood types are needed, Type O blood remains especially critical because of its vital role in emergency medicine.
“As an organization dedicated to protecting the communities we serve, we recognize that maintaining a strong blood supply is a shared responsibility,” said Tom DIxon, CEO of Oxford Health Systems. “This isn’t just about Oxford Health Systems. It’s about making sure lifesaving blood is available for every hospital, ambulance service, and patient across our region.”
Oxford Health Systems encourages eligible community members to participate in the blood drive and help ensure blood is available when emergencies happen.
As a thank you for donating, eligible donors will receive a $25 e-gift card and a limited-edition LifeSouth donor t-shirt, while supplies last. Platelet and double red cell donors will receive a $40 e-gift card.
Oxford Health Systems also extends its sincere appreciation to the management and ownership of Quintard Mall for hosting the event and supporting this important community initiative.
Community Blood Drive
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: LifeSouth Bloodmobile at Quintard Mall, facing Quintard Drive (Highway 21)
To learn more about blood donation eligibility and the donation process, visit lifesouth.org/donor-faqs.
The community is encouraged to stop by, roll up a sleeve, and help ensure lifesaving blood is ready for neighbors throughout East Alabama when it is needed most.