Summer in Southwest Florida. While the temperatures continue to climb, blood donations continue to decline.

“Florida is a seasonal state so during the summer you lose all of your high schools, RV parks and mobile home parks, all those people go north. Businesses slow down,” says Nancy Hendrick, Community Relations Coordinator for Lee Memorial Blood Centers.

In fact, blood donations are down across the country right now. Statistics show that every single minute of every single day, someone needs blood.

In this part of Southwest Florida, the need is especially great. “Lee Memorial has the only trauma center in a five county radius, people from Charlotte to Collier County have to come here for trauma services,” explains Hendrick.

Just a few units of blood can go a long way. A simple donation can help accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, even children with life-threatening diseases. “You never know where and when it might hit somebody you know. Everyday, people are being diagnosed with things and everyday, people are trying to find a match for their loved ones,” says Hendrick.

The Lee Memorial Blood Center is now holding various “Fun in the Sun” blood drives to boost summer donations. Blood donors can enter to win various prizes, gift cards, and discounts to local businesses and attractions. Donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health, and weigh over 110 pounds.