Why it is so important to give blood

The "100 Deadly Days" — the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day — brings a predictable drop in the blood supply every year, as traumas increase, fewer blood drives are held and donors head out on summer vacations. Blood has a short shelf life, and hospitals rely on a steady flow of donations to keep shelves stocked. The Red Cross is already preparing for that summer shortfall, and officials say the time to donate is now — before the shortage arrives.