The need for donated blood has reached emergency status, according to information from the American Red Cross. In the summertime, and in times of natural disaster, especially, more donors are needed to ensure blood reserves keep up with demand.

A small amount of time and effort can be the difference between life and death for an accident victim. Donating blood is a great way to support your community with needed resources and help supply our hospitals and trauma centers with the tools required to service patients and victims. For those eligible, consider finding a blood drive nearby and making an appointment during this time of need.

THE NEED FOR BLOOD IS CRITICAL YEAR ROUND

Blood donations have a real, tangible impact on patients. According to statistics provided by the American Red Cross, hundreds of thousands of red blood cell units are needed every week to help victims in life-or-death situations. Per their data:

• Each donation can save as many as three lives;
• Someone needs blood every 2 seconds;
• Approximately 36,000 red blood cell units are needed each day;
• Hospitals request blood type O more than any other blood type; and
• A single car accident victim may need up to 100 pints of blood.

Looking at these figures, it’s clear the need for donations is constant; especially considering the shelf life for donated blood is only 42 days. Unfortunately, the need to replenish the stock never goes away and a surplus of blood is nearly impossible to accumulate under current conditions. But, you can help.

CONSIDER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

There are blood drives every day, taking place all over the state and the country. Specifically in the Finger Lakes Region, Belhurst Castle and Cayuga State Park will be hosting drives on July 30 and August 2, respectively. Other local blood drives can be found using the American Red Cross website.

The American Red Cross urges all those who are eligible to consider donating blood. Eligible donors must be 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs., and must be in good health. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit their Web site to make an appointment or receive additional information.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@nyassembly.gov.