(KTNC) - The center that provides blood to hospitals and communities in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas is looking for people and organizations to sponsor blood drives this summer. 
 Betty Tinker is the Donor Recruitment Representative for the Community Blood Center in St. Joseph.  She says the number of blood drives tends to dwindle as the weather warms up.  (play audio   :18)
 While the number of blood donors decreases in the summer, Tinker says that’s when they see greater need for donations.  (play audio   :24)
 Once the blood is donated, Tinker says it takes seven days to test it and get it to hospitals, and the blood has a shelf life of 45 days.  She says they are beginning now to see the available blood supply decrease.  (play audio   :26)
 The Community Blood Center provides blood to all hospitals in northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas, and the major medical centers and hospitals in the Kansas City area.  Tinker says they need to collect 580 units of blood each day of the year.
 Tinker says they’re encouraging schools to hold summer blood drives, along with churches, businesses, and other organizations.  For more information about sponsoring a blood drive, or donating blood, contact Betty Tinker at the Community Blood Center, at 800-725-6791, extension 1805.  Blood donations can also be made at the Community Blood Center, at 3122 Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph. 
 Generally, anyone age 16 and older is eligible to donate blood, though 16-year-olds need a signed parental consent form before they can donate.
 A blood drive is scheduled at Rock Port High School, from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6.