CHENANGO COUNTY — This summer, save a life by donating blood with the American Red Cross at one of several blood drives across Chenango County.

Blood donations can help cancer, trauma, sickle cell, and burn patients, as well as patients with chronic diseases.

According to the American Red Cross, in the United States, someone needs blood and/or platelets every two seconds, and approximately 29,000 unites of red blood cells are needed every day to treat patients.

Despite the high need for blood donors, the American Red Cross says only about 3 percent of age-eligible individuals donate blood each year.

At Red Cross blood drives, individuals can give whole blood or Power Red donations. Whole blood donations are the most flexible type of donation. According to the Red Cross, "It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets."

Whole blood donations are ideal for all blood types, and can help trauma patients and individuals undergoing surgery.

Donors planning to give whole blood must be at least 16 years old in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds, and in good health and feeling well.

Power Red donations involve giving a concentrated dose of red blood cells, which are used for patients needing transfusions.

The American Red Cross explains Power Red donations as "an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma and platelets to you."