The Red Cross has reported a national blood shortage. Due to reasons for blood necessity, such as surgeries or trauma cases, coupled with slower donor turnout in the summer, life-saving blood is in short supply. Local blood centers, such as the LifeServe Blood Center in Ames, work hard during the summer months to attempt to drive turnout and boost blood reserves. Community Relations Coordinator for LifeServe Blood Center Claire DeRoin discusses the main causes for reduced donor turnout in the summer, as well as the many ways in which local blood centers work to increase turnout during that time. DeRoin also weighs in on the importance of donating blood year-round and the positive impact it can have on the local community.