Warmer weather means fewer donations and greater need. Amanda Hess with Impact Life says they are currently at less than a three-day supply for type O red blood cells and B negative. She says they strive to keep at least a five-day supply ready for all types. Hess encourages current and potential donors to think about routine donation to help stabilize the supply. 

Hospital emergency departments refer to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as trauma season. That’s according to Dr. Daniela Hermelin, Chief Medical Officer for Impact Life,. Hermelin says the use of blood due to trauma increases during the summer months. With warm weather, she says, there is more travel and outdoor activity, and this increases the number of patients who sustain injuries leading to blood loss.  

Linda Jones with Memorial Health says being a donor pays off for the blood recipient and the donor. Jones says, “if you practice gratitude in your life, there’s nothing better than the feeling of having spent 45 minutes of your time and walking away knowing that you could have saved three people’s lives by that one unit of blood. 

To find out how to become a donor or make an appointment, go to bloodcenter.org.