ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) — LifeShare Blood Center is calling on community members to make blood donation a priority this summer as hospitals prepare for a spike in demand ahead of the July 4th holiday.

According to a Pew Research Center analysis, July 4 and 5 are the busiest days of the year for U.S. emergency rooms, with nearly 10,000 more patients than average. Many of these visits are tied to fireworks-related injuries, which often require extensive blood support.

“Burn patients use lots of blood products over long periods of time, especially red blood cells and plasma, due to the loss of red cells and clotting factors with these types of wounds,” said Dr. Tim Peterson, medical director for LifeShare. “Plasma and red blood cells are needed to maintain an adequate oxygen supply by the patient as they recover.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about one-third of fireworks-related injuries are burns, further straining blood supplies during the holiday. Summer months also see a drop in donor turnout, adding to the challenge. Red blood cells expire after 42 days, while platelets last just five to seven days.

“We rely on each donation, each day, to meet the needs of our local patients and hospitals,” said Mandi Johnson, LifeShare’s director of community engagement. “Unlike most medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled.”

To help meet demand, LifeShare will host its Summer Lifesaver campaign from June 25–28. All donors will receive a limited-edition t-shirt, an insulated tumbler, and other gifts. Free children’s activities will also be available to make donating easier for families.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Donations can be scheduled at www.lifeshare.org/give.