(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

There’s a lot to be cheerful about as the end of the school year, warmer weather and the arrival of the travel/vacation season have most people in more chipper moods. But for some, summertime coincides with the “100 deadliest days,” the period from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day during which there is a dramatic increase in serious incidents such as car accidents, ATV crashes, sports-related injuries and other summertime activities.

Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio Valley called it “trauma season.”

Meanwhile, Kesselring said scheduled blood donations have dropped dramatically in recent weeks, and that there is — again — an urgent need for blood donations. That’s a problem because “a single person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood,” she said.

All blood types are needed, and there are opportunities everywhere. Local collection efforts include: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, June 12, 19 and 26, at the Parkersburg Blood Donation Center at 3210 Dudley Ave.; 1-6 p.m. June 15 at Grand Central Mall; 1-6 p.m. June 16 at St. Ambrose Church at 5080 School House Road, Little Hocking; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22 at Belpre Medical Campus – Memorial Health System, 807 Farson St.; 12:30-5:30 p.m. June 25 at the Williamstown Women’s Club, 112 W. Seventh St.; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29 at Memorial Health System, 401 Matthew St., Marietta.

Because the Red Cross knows how hard it is to find willing and able donors, it has added some incentives such as a $15 e-gift card for donating blood and entry for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.

But donors shouldn’t be lured by financial gifts alone. It should be enough to know becoming a blood donor saves lives, and that the need is great. YOU can do something about it. Look up eligibility requirements at RedCrossBlood.org and get started on your donation journey today.