[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING LIFESOUTH COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTERS IN HERNANDO COUNTY, 
                                FLORIDA

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                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2009

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. in Hernando County for 
their work improving the lives and welfare of area residents.
  In life and death emergencies, when every second counts, it is 
vitally important that healthcare providers and emergency responders 
have access to safe and ready supplies of blood for transfusions. 
LifeSouth Community Blood Center is currently the only blood provider 
for many of our area hospitals, including ones at Oak Hill, Brooksville 
Regional and Spring Hill. Their hard work ensures that medical 
professionals in Hernando County have the blood necessary to save lives 
and help our local community.
  Throughout the country each year there will be almost five million 
Americans who need blood transfusions. In Hernando County alone, 
LifeSouth collects 13,000 units of blood annually, utilizing more than 
300 blood drives with their Bloodmobiles to meet the demand. The local 
donor center is open 363 days a year and employs thirty people to 
collect, process and distribute the blood to area hospitals.
  Whether you have ever needed a blood transfusion yourself, or just 
know someone who has, it is organizations like LifeSouth that help 
ensure you will be taken care of in an emergency. For area residents 
who donate blood, please know that all of the blood collected in 
Hernando County stays within the County, so your donation will help 
your friends and neighbors. When you donate blood it is not an 
exaggeration to say that you are truly giving the gift of life.
  This January 31, I will be hosting my annual veteran benefit fair. 
LifeSouth has agreed to take part in the event and is bringing one of 
their Bloodmobiles to the site to collect much needed blood. With more 
than 105,000 veterans in the 5th District, many of whom are in need of 
medical attention, it is important for the community to donate blood 
and help meet that need.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing LifeSouth 
Community Blood Centers for their commitment to the local community. 
Without their blood collection, processing and dissemination efforts, 
area hospitals would face severe shortages of life-saving blood. I 
commend LifeSouth for their efforts and thank them for helping the 
veterans of Hernando County at this year's veteran benefit fair.

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