Add this red to your white and blue for your summer vacation plans

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Vacations and a change in schedules over the summer typically lead to a drop in blood donations, and this year is no exception, according to the American Red Cross.

The agency is asking people to consider making an appointment to donate over the Fourth of July holiday.

• The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is asking people to consider donating blood over the 4th of July holiday
• This time of year the organization says donations drop off, but the need stays the same
• People can donate every 56 days

"The reason for that being a couple factors," said Nicole Roschella, regional communications manager of the Red Cross of Greater PA.

"One, people are kind of getting into the groove of kids being out of school, families switching up their schedules, also traveling for the holidays, or taking vacations, your typical routines switched up a bit."

Roschella said with people traveling more, there's an uptick in car crashes and other accidents throughout the summer months, but blood donations drop off.

"We do see more accidents this time of year, but in general, you know, the need for blood is constant," she said. "So it's always needed, but especially this time of year.

"There's people in the hospital right now and patients who are still counting on our donations, they're not off taking vacations, they still need to get their blood transfusions and get that treatment.

"So trying to remind people to think of them during this time."

Roschella said people can donate every 56 days and the process takes about an hour.

She said scheduling an appointment ahead of time and keeping it on the calendar can help increase the amount of blood given.

The Red Cross also is offering incentives for those who give through the month of July, including a Red Cross dry bag, $15 gift cards and a chance to win a trip to New York for Shark Week.

Those looking to donate can visit redcrossblood.org.