Did you know that blood donation rates drop about 20% in the summer. We know it is a busy time of year, but the need for blood does not take a vacation.

Do you know What’s Missing in the image above? The demand for type A, B, AB and O blood types is constant. Can you help?

I hope so, because every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs a transfusion of donated blood. One of my friends required a blood transfusion during childbirth. Without it, she probably would not be here today. That is a scary thought, and so is hospitals not having blood to save lives.

With the country being ravaged by flooding, we should know that major disasters don’t usually require large amounts of blood. In most cases, hospitals are able to get by with the blood they have on hand. Blood donations help to ensure that blood is available before it is needed.

Blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year. Given those statistics, you can see how every person makes a big difference. If you are ready, take a step to donate at MissingTypeUS.org. Here is one of our local blood donation centers and there are many more throughout the country.

I was compensated for this post as a blogger working with Tap Influence. As always my words and views are 100% my own.