Local residents took part in the United Blood Services’ Laurel Community Blood Drives at the Cameron Center and Jones County Junior College in Ellisville on Tuesday.

Beverly Clark, donor recruitment representative for the United Blood Service, said she’s thankful that several donors came out to take part in the blood drives and to ensure that those in need would have blood and platelets available.

“Only about five percent of area residents donate blood,” Clark said. “However, we all expect blood to be there for us if we ever need it.”

Clark said the need for blood continues to increase while the supply declines.

She said local and area residents are encouraged to give the gift of life during this July 4th season.

“Donating blood can make the difference between life and death,” she said. “We are in despite need for O positive and O negative and B positive and B negative.”

Clark said the summer months are tough.

“Our usage has been very high,” she explained. “Our usage has elevated and our donor supply has declined due to heat and vacations.”

Clark said it takes 125 blood donations every day to meet the needs of area patients and to be ready for emergencies.

“A lot of people don’t realize that 80 percent of our blood supply is collected at educational facilities and from education groups — schools, teachers, and parents of teachers. So, when school is out, our donor base goes down. So, our supply is down.”

Clark said UBS is conducting a promotion now to encourage people to donate.

During the months of June, July and August, in addition to each donor receiving a free cholesterol test as a part of their donation process, Clark said each donor will have their name placed in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 travel voucher. She said those donating double reds and platelets will have their names entered in the drawing twice. She said the drawing will be held on Sept. 1.

UBS officials said cancer, transplant and trauma patients and patients undergoing open-heart surgery require platelet transfusions.

Clark said blood donated at blood drives over the next two weeks will determine the agency’s blood supply.

“We are in critical need of platelets and red blood cells of all types,” she said. “Shortages of all types of blood occur during the summer and winter holidays.”