The Blood Connection is urging people to donate blood during Freedom Week

The Blood Connection is putting out the call for blood donors to keep supplies from running low at local hospitals.

Blood donors of all types are urgently needed through the summer, and they are asking people of all blood types to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.

One donation can help up to three people.

‘Freedom Week’ at The Blood Connection was formed many years ago to anticipate and prepare for the decrease of blood donors in the summer months.

This year, Freedom Week began June 26 and runs through July 10.

The Blood Connection will be thanking blood donors who give from June 26th – July 10th with a commemorative t-shirt and an eGift card valued at $20.

Delisa English, The Blood Connection President and CEO tells WNEG News that while you’re enjoying the summer months to please remember to donate blood.

She said historically, there is a higher demand for blood products in July.

The sad reality is only three percent of the population donates blood, but one in seven people who enter a hospital will need a blood transfusion, but the supply doesn’t keep up with the demand.

Blood donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent. Donors must bring a valid photo ID.

All types are needed but especially type O Negative, which is the universal blood type that can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type.

Next week, on Thursday, July 14, at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library you’ll have an opportunity to donate blood from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.