The Red Cross is looking for more donors as supplies dwindle over the summer.

Donors typically donate less during the summertime, putting a strain on the American Red Cross’ blood supply, according to Krystal Overmyer, an external communications manager with Biomedical Field Marketing and Communications for the Red Cross.

“The need for blood is constant throughout the year,” Overmyer said. “What we see as the challenge is really the decline in donations. Whether people are driving for summer vacations or are busy with other summer activities, they’re less likely to give.”

Overmyer said the problem is compounded as high school and college students go on summer break, as students make up 20 percent of the Red Cross’ donor base.

The shelf life for blood is just 42 days, but it is rapidly used up.

“Right now, it’s going out almost as quickly as it’s coming in,” Overmyer said. “We’re urgently calling for donors to give.”

The Red Cross reports that someone in the United States needs blood or platelets every two seconds.

Overmyer said that local demands receive priority, but that the blood can be sent across the nation wherever it is needed.

In times of tragedy, donations often spike. Hundreds of people lined up to donate blood after a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando on June 12, the Associated Press reported.

But Overmyer stressed that donors shouldn’t wait for a tragedy before donating.

“What we want people in the community to remember is that it’s the blood that’s already on the shelf that makes an impact during a time of emergency,” she said. “Whatever that emergency might be, we need to be resilient, and need we need a resilient and robust blood supply. We need to be prepared throughout year for any emergency scenario that might arrive.”

Some patients need blood after a car accident or complications during childbirth, while others need transfusions due to disease.

Donors should be 17 or older, or 16 with parental consent. They need to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Potential donors concerned about medical or medication restrictions can contact the Red Cross with questions.

“In general, sometimes people think they’re not eligible when they are,” Overmyer said, citing recent tattoos and diabetes as concerns that people sometimes have. “Instead of folks assuming they can’t give blood, it’s better to check. We encourage folks not to assume they can’t give and invite them to check with us at redcrossblood.org or call us to discuss their specific scenario.”

Anson County donors have three opportunities to donate through July.

A blood drive will be held from 3 to 7:30 p.m. June 30 at Deep Springs Baptist Church, located at 1908 Deep Springs Church Road, Peachland.

Another drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. July 12 at the Fireman’s Training Center, located at 309 North Washington Street, Wadesboro.

Donors can also donate from 1:30-6 p.m. July 19 at First Baptist Church, located at 309 Lee Avenue, Wadesboro.

Overmyer said that appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are also welcome.

To make an appointment or to get answers about medical or medication eligibility concerns, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-733-2767 or schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Donors can use RapidPass to fill out the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass. This can save donors up to 15 minutes off of their appointment time if they print it or send it as a PDF to their smartphone, from which it can be scanned at the blood drive.

Reach reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.

By Imari Scarbrough

iscarbrough@civitasmedia.com