Spring is the time we roll up our sleeves. For work. For play.

For giving blood.

It’s an unfortunate and annual happenstance, but as spring and summer near, blood donations traditionally fall off. Weather accounts for one season; vacations for the other.

Now, the American Red Cross is reporting that it critically needs blood and platelet donors following a concerning trend over the past month — fewer donors deciding to give lifesaving blood. About 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected over the past month than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply.

Severe weather and historic travel in May contributed to fewer blood donations, the ACR reports. According to the Transportation Security Administration, five of the busiest travel days ever happened in that month, and more record-breaking travel is expected all season long — a busy time when many regular donors may be unable to give.

On its website, Mississippi Blood Services shows critical shortages of four blood types with a critical need for two others. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

At the same time, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents, it is critical hospitals have blood products on hand for all trauma and accident victims who count on transfusions when there is no time to waste. In some of the most dire situations, medical teams may need to use hundreds of blood products to save a single life.

To give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 800-733-2767 or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states, including Mississippi (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

And because we all know that apps can make things quicker, blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Residents can also visit Mississippi Blood Services online at msblood.com for more information about donor eligibility, different types of blood donation, local blood drives and more.

CNHI News Service