On World Blood Donor Day, local doctors and the Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross say there’s always a need for people to roll up their sleeve.

The Red Cross finds blood donations decline in late spring and early summer, especially during holiday weeks.

“People get busy, they’re on vacation, school’s no longer in,” said Jeff Hall of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts. “A great number of blood donations that we get across the country are from college campuses, so when they aren’t in session, we do see appointments and the need for blood go up.”

In January, amid the Omicron surge, the organization declared its first ever blood crisis. It recorded a 10% drop in the number of donors. 

Dr. Timothy Boardman, an emergency medicine physician for UMASS Memorial Health, says there’s been a rebound. 

“I think with COVID kind of being at a steady level where it’s at right now, people are feeling a little bit more comfortable to go out and get to the blood centers,” Dr. Boardman said. “I will say more and more people are getting out there and doing their part.”

The hospital system has its own blood donor center, but they’re also entering a period where donations can take on an even greater importance. 

“We definitely see more accidents and injuries come into the emergency department, and we use blood for a lot of those, especially the sickest people that come in,” Dr. Boardman said. “We even bring blood out into the field as well. Our helicopter service, UMASS lifeflight, carries blood with it to every mission.”

One donation could help three people, but the Red Cross says less than 7% of people who can donate actually do. They say they’ll be ready whenever donors are. 

“At some point, something happens in your life where tragedy comes into your life or someone is affected by something that needs a blood donation, and it helps people get past that,” Hall said. “We just hope people can recognize the good that comes from giving blood.”