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INBC

Can you fill this chair? Your blood is needed.

We’ve been telling you about all the fun things you should make sure to do this summer, but here’s an important one we didn’t mention: If you can, give blood.

And if you can, do it today. This morning we got a call from Elizabeth Giles at the Inland Northwest Blood Center, which is urgently in need of donations. Since it’s deadline day here at the Inlander, we asked if it would be OK if we mentioned it tomorrow, and Giles hesitated — the supply is running so low that a day makes a difference.

“Summers are always difficult, but this is hitting us earlier in the summer than we expected,” she says.

They’re especially concerned about having enough with the Fourth of July weekend approaching. About 35 percent of the blood center’s supply comes from donors who are high school and college students, who may not be around or thinking about donating blood in the summer. And less than half the population is even eligible to donate at any given time, given restrictions for things like recent international travel and new tattoos. So only about 5 percent of the local population provides the full supply, Giles says — and if those 5 percent are out of town or on vacation, the supply dwindles quickly.

All negative blood types and O+ are particularly needed. See donation center hours and all upcoming blood drives here, and make an appointment here. Not sure if you’re eligible? See some of the guidelines here or call 624-0151.