EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
The American Red Cross says there has been a drop in blood donations, and locally, officials are hoping a new incentive to prevent a summer shortage will help.
"Summer presents a unique challenge for donating blood," said Julie Krizen.
That challenge is getting people to fit donating into their busy summer schedules.
Between vacations, baseball games, swimming lessons, and everything else, giving blood can take a back seat.
But Krizen with the American Red Cross Evansville-Wabash Valley Region says the need is always there.
"You never know. I mean a crash on the Lloyd right outside our building could need countless amounts of blood, so we have to stay prepared and keep blood readily available at all times," Krizen said.
Krizen says in the first five months of 2012, donations to the Red Cross were down compared to the same time last year, and what's usually the most challenging month, which is July, is still ahead.
"So we really need blood donors to come out and roll up their sleeve. One donation can help save up to three lives, so it's really a great way to give back. An easy way to give back," Krizen said.
To hopefully get even more donations this summer, the Red Cross is adding something new to its annual Celebrate Freedom Blood Drive next month. Just make an appointment to give blood on July 16th or 23rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you donate, you get a free ticket to Holiday World.
"We just want people to make a commitment to give blood so we can make a commitment to the patients in the hospitals that need the blood," Krizen said.
All blood types are needed, especially O positive, O negative, A negative, and B negative.
For more information on donating blood and to make an appointment, visit the Red Cross website.
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