Area high school students may be enjoying their summer break from school, but there is no break from saving lives.

The need for blood donations is critical year round, and in the summer months blood centers see a 15-20% deficit in donations from those who are high school aged, according to Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Donor Relations Consultant Chris Ciasto. She says it may not seem as convenient for donors to give blood during the summer with vacations and activities, and students tend to forget about the need, “It’s kind of out of sight, out of mind, where at the high school they’re seeing the posters and their friends are asking them to participate. There also is the added benefit of getting out of class for an hour and being in the gym with some fun music and treats, some refreshments and stuff after they donate. So sometimes when you take all of those things off the table and then just add their busy schedules that’s why we don’t see them in the summer months.”

The MVRBC is giving incentives to donors with their 100 Days of Summer campaign. Through September 16th those who donate at one of the MVRBC donor centers will receive a voucher for a $5 Amazon or Subway gift card, and from July 2nd through August 12th those who donate at mobile blood drives will receive a voucher as well. There are several blood drives happening in the KCII-listening area this week. For more information visit the Community Calendar.