In times of crisis, sometimes the best gift you can give is what’s inside you.

Donating blood on a regular basis helps keep hospitals and other emergency care providers prepared for life-saving procedures, especially in times of disasters or other events that cause a large-scale threat to human life.

Because blood has a shelf life, or “expiration date,” and can’t be stockpiled in advance, having an adequate rotating supply of blood and platelets at area hospitals is crucial.

As Natividad Lewis, a communications manager with American Red Cross puts it, if a disaster happens, healthcare providers need blood yesterday.

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