Late June marks the start of summer and an increased need for blood donations.
With more people on the roads and celebrations in full swing, summer means accidents are more likely. At the same time, fewer people donate due to closed schools, a drop in blood donation drives, and more vacations.
In the United States, someone needs blood every two seconds, and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is entering summer with a 20% decrease in donors from January to May, as compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, about one out of every 10 patients will continue to require a blood transfusion.
If you have been meaning to donate, summer is a great season to set up an appointment.