People throughout our University family are deeply concerned about the plight of our neighbors to the north who have been affected by the deadly tornadoes that swept through the region this week. Faculty, staff and students are organizing numerous relief efforts to assist the victims. Following is a list of these efforts. This list will be updated as additional activities are scheduled. Also listed are links to community organizations providing assistance.

The tornadoes have had a severe impact on the state's blood supply. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, the largest supplier of blood in Alabama, will be holding blood drives to address the current shortage. Anyone 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weighing a minimum of 110 pounds and in good health may be able to donate. A photo ID is also required. Blood drives scheduled for USA sites are:


Main campus Blood Drive - Monday, May 2:

The Student Government Association has partnered with LifeSouth and will be hosting a blood drive on the main campus on Monday, May 2, from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm in the Student Center Lobby.

The SGA urges the USA Family to participate in this blood drive. The goal is 300 units of blood that will go directly to North and Central Alabama agencies.

For more information contact Kimberly Proctor, president USA Student Government Association at 460-7191.


Other blood donation sites:

In addition to the blood drives on USA campuses, LifeSouth also has donor centers in Mobile at 967 Hillcrest Road and in Daphne at 6451 Merritt Blvd. Call toll-free (888) 795-2707 for more information and hours of operation at these locations.


Assistance through American Red Cross:

The Student Government Association (SGA) is currently in the process of coordinating disaster relief efforts for tornado victims in Central and North Alabama. Because the American Red Cross is still assessing damages to the affected areas, they have requested that for now, the USA Family donate to the relief efforts monetarily (www.redcross.org). Monetary donations (checks made out to American Red Cross) can be dropped off at the SGA Office, Student Center, room 280.

The Red Cross will be contacting SGA in the coming days to let us know exactly what items the USA Family needs to collect. Please continue to check your emails and stay tuned for further information about ways you can help in disaster relief.

For more information contact Kimberly Proctor, president USA Student Government Association at 460-7191.


USA Greek Life and Aramark Relief Drive:

USA Greek Life and Aramark will sponsor a drive Monday, May 2 through Thursday, May 5 to collect toiletries, non-perishable food items and bottled water for tornado victims. Drop off locations are:
Java City (located on the bottom floor of the Fresh Food Co.) - 7:30 am - midnight
The Market (located in the Student Center) - 10:30 am – 2:30 pm.

For more information contact: Brigette Soderlind, coordinator of student activities and Greek life, 460-7003.


Assistance through United Way:

United Way of Southwest Alabama offers its deepest sympathy to our neighbors affected by the spring tornadoes that caused wide-spread destruction across several states from April 26-28.

Infrastructure and communications have been disrupted by the disaster, and United Way of Southwest Alabama is currently assessing the situation with our local community partners. Updates and information will be provided as soon as they become available.

To help now through United Way, click here.


For more information about relief efforts at USA contact:
Michael A. Mitchell, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
University of South Alabama
270 Student Center
Mobile, AL 36688
251.460.6172
251.460.6157 (fax)
mmitchell@usouthal.edu