Across the United States there is a significant blood supply shortage. Donations are down this time of year. I work for Blood Assurance, a regional blood bank located in Chattanooga, TN and there is less than a one day supply of many blood types. All it takes is a serious trauma to wipe out inventory of available units. Recently in Orlando they experienced an emergency need of blood due to the night club shooting. On July 16th, 2015 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, five servicemen were killed by a terrorist at a local military center. Of those five there was sailor who was needed dozens of units of blood to give him a chance of survival.

Blood donations are important to individuals who have to have blood to survive whether it be a person in an accident, a cancer patient or someone who has lost blood due to a surgery. Every donation saves 3 lives but it does so much more for those who need it.

You can help and it doesn’t take much of your time. Contact your local blood bank and schedule a donation. Encourage those in your life who can to make a donation too. It’s about life and community. It’s a great way to make the world a better place by helping someone live. Blood is needed at all times, you never know when you might need it. No matter where you are in the world you can help save lives.