Summertime and Blood Supply

During the summertime, a lot of people might not be thinking about giving blood. We all get busy with activities and vacations, but, as we always say, the need is constant.

Patients don't get a vacation from needing blood, and the Red Cross works hard to help ensure blood is available whenever it is needed. The Red Cross says that red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days, and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

I know everyone is busy during this time of year, but it is important to keep blood supplies stocked. There are always blood drives going on around the area. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org.