LITTLE ROCK, AR --Summer in Arkansas is when many people spend time outdoors, boating on the state’s many lakes, vacationing in scenic state parks, playing sports and gardening. It is during this busy time that accidents often occur, many requiring life-saving blood transfusions.



The need for blood increases in the summer, and traditionally, American Red Cross blood supplies fall to low levels this time of the year. That is why it is vitally important for people to donate blood to the American Red Cross.



In fact, one unit of a person’s blood can help save up to three people. “The gift of life is in you,” Erschelle Newsome, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks – Arkansas Region, said.

Arkansas’ 140,000 Hispanic residents can make a big impact in helping save lives by donating blood. Donating blood is safe and many American Red Cross donor centers have bi-lingual staff members who can assist Spanish-speaking donors.



Eight centers are located around the state in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Searcy, Jonesboro, Mountain Home, Tontitown and Russellville.

Anyone who is at least 17 years of age, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good health, can donate if they have a picture identification card.



To learn more or to find the nearest blood drive, call 1-800-448-3543 (1-800-GIVE LIFE) or go to www.GiveLife.com.