According to an American Red Cross press release, helping to save lives through blood donation is as much a part of summer as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie.

"You can make a huge difference and help save a life this summer through the simple act of giving blood," CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, Sharyn Whitman said. "Every day, someone's mother, father, child or friend needs blood for their very life. Your blood donation has the potential to impact others when they need it most."

Hospital patients need blood year-round for ongoing and emergency care. But that need compounds in the summer when vacation-related travel and activities increase the chance of serious accidents that require blood for lifesaving care. A person injured in an automobile accident may need up to 40 units of blood.

"It is critical for blood to be there when it is needed," Whitman said. "In some cases, blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death."

Patients across the U.S. need an average of 38,000 pints of blood every day and while the need for blood does not go away during the summer, blood donors sometimes do. Donors become busy with seasonal activities and may overlook donating blood. High school and college students are on break and may not have the opportunity to give. About 15 to 20 percent of the blood supply is donated by students through drives scheduled at schools, colleges or universities.

"We are asking students and all eligible donors to make donating blood part of what they do this summer. Wherever your travels take you, chances are there is an American Red Cross blood drive close by," Whitman said.