Washington, D.C.- As everyone enjoys their favorite summertime activity from grilling outdoors to the different sporting events we observe and cheer our athletes in, many people do not stop to consider the need for whole blood and blood products.
The need for human blood often is high during the summer, resulting from a higher demand due to accidents and other emergency usage.
People in the United States average blood donation twice a year.
The American Red Cross urges people to remember that they can donate blood every 56 days, and that the blood supply during the summertime months is often less than what is required.
“We urge everyone to stop a minute and consider, go take an hour, and donate blood this summer,” said Dr. Reddy.
Dr. Reddy is the CEO of the Midwest Blood Region of the American Red Cross.
Collecting blood during the summertime can be more difficult than at other times of the year, people often donate during school or work in the winter months but during the summer the focus and attention is on other things, and donations and appointments to donate often fall to annual lows.
The constant need for blood and human blood products is year round, but giving a donation during the summertime is especially important.