The beginning of summer tends to be a time of cook-outs and lake days, but for the American Red Cross it marks the start of a seasonal decline in blood donations. The Tuscaloosa Community “Heroes” Blood drive will be held from noon until 6 p.m. at University Mall Saturday, June 6.

The drive is part of a campaign push from the Red Cross called 100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hope. The aim of the campaign is to increase blood donations during the summer months.

“The goal for the campaign is to exceed the expected number of donations by two,” said Evan Duffy, communications program specialist of the American Red Cross Blood Services. “Tuscaloosa is expected to have 65 donors which means that 67 donors would be ideal for the campaign.”

Having two additional donors per drive will offset the decline of donations over the duration of the summer. Each individual donation has the potential to save three lives. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma can all be extracted independently from one unit of blood to serve three different purposes in medical treatment and emergencies. A press release provided by the American Red Cross stated that the organization provides blood to around 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

According to the release, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 blood donations each day to meet the needs of patients.

About 21 percent of donations come from high school and college students, so school not being in session directly affects the amount of blood donated, Duffy said.

The University holds several blood drives per year. Chisolm Allenlundy, a junior majoring in economics and philosophy, gave blood twice during the past school year. He said that it felt good to help out in any small way that he could.

“Blood transfusions are more common than people think. If someone needs a blood transfusion, then there’s always a possibility that they die,” Allenlundy said. “Since giving blood is such a simple thing to do, it serves as an easy way for individuals to meaningfully contribute to the betterment of society.”

Two forms of identification are required at check-in, or a blood donor card or driver’s license. Donors must weigh more than 110 pounds and be in generally good health.

To set up an appointment to donate blood for the Tuscaloosa Community “Heroes” Blood drive, call 1-800-733-2767. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred. For more information about 100 Days of Summer, 100 of Hope or the American Red Cross, visit redcrossblood.org.

See also: “Blood drive draws organizations closer“