What blood centers say they need amid Fourth of July holiday

EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – Independence Day can mean fun with family, friends and fireworks. But if you’re not careful, it can also be a weekend for increased injuries.

Blood donations are a necessity year-round. But Shepeard Community Blood Center CEO Benjamin Prijatel says it’s not always thought of during the summer months.

“People kind of get out of their normal routine, they go on vacation and kids are out of school– things like that. And so sometimes blood donation doesn’t become the highest priority, and so we see donations dip a little bit…”

And that’s why regular donors like Bruce Culver, tells me, he showed up today.

“I know how hard it is to get blood donations when everybody’s on vacation, family on vacations, all that stuff, so I figured I could do it soI came on in and I did it.”

While the blood donation rates might decrease a bit during the summer, Prijatel says, they’ll experience an increased need.

“Unfortunately, we also see blood usage go up especially around the holidays and in the summer…”

So, Shepeard Community has created a way through its initiative “Botox for Blood” to collect an influx of blood donations amid the holiday.

“This is such a challenging time for hospitals and blood centers across the country, and we really tried to be proactive here, to try to do something to kind of entice some donors and make blood donation a priority before we get into the Independence Day holiday…,” Prijatel said.

Culver says it takes a moment’s time to help save lives.

“I know everybody’s time is precious, and everybody has family obligations in the summertime, but it’s a– kind of a community obligation to do, and it’s something extra that most people will do with just taking an hour’s time. And so why not, what the heck.”

The blood center will be closed Thursday for the holiday, but will reopen on Friday and will stay open through the weekend if you would like to donate.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.