May 4. The Blood Connection is asking community members to join its campaign to be “Prepared for Anything,” by donating blood this month and helping ensure a steady and stable blood supply.

Disasters and emergencies often include injuries and traumas that require lifesaving treatments and supplies to save lives, the group said in a news release. One of the most important of those supplies is blood.

According to America’s Blood Centers, more than 80 percent of deaths in the operating room and nearly 50 percent of deaths in the first 24 hours after injury are due to severe blood loss. In the United States, hemorrhage is the most common cause of death within the first hour of arrival to a trauma center.

“Blood is paramount to ensuring our neighbors, friends and family members survive traumatic injuries,” said Delisa English, president and CEO of The Blood Connection. “When an emergency strikes and a hospital calls for blood products, we can only give them what has been donated by community members – and if we don’t have enough – we can’t just make more in a lab.”

That is why it is vital to the safety and well-being of the community to prepare now and ensure the blood shelves are stocked in case a disaster hits, The Blood Connection said in its news release.

The Blood Connection is asking community members to join in the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps and help be “Prepared for Anything” to help protect the community – and country’s – blood supply.

To find a convenient place to donate blood, click here. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.