This holiday weekend, donate blood for Americans in need

Here's an eye-opening statistic: Of the total U.S. population, 62% -- or 204.9 million Americans -- are eligible to donate blood, yet only 3% actually do.

In other words, 100% of the U.S. blood supply is currently provided by only 3% of eligible donors.

As Americans prepare to celebrate the 4th of July weekend, it's a timely reminder that the need for blood, plasma and platelets never takes a holiday break. The need is nonstop, 24/7.

In fact, 4.5 million Americans need a blood transfusion every year, ranging from people involved in major accidents and emergencies to those undergoing day-to-day medical procedures and surgeries.

Year-round, patients are dependent on transfusions made possible by local donors.

They include people from all walks of life, such as:

• Jax Fisher, a North Texas teen battling a rare form of bone cancer
• Michael Johnson, a first responder who was hit by a truck while on duty
• Emily Linville, a Texas mom of two who experienced excessive blood loss while giving birth
• Everett Dunkley, who faced a life-threatening bout with leukemia
• Lola Catron, who required three open-heart surgeries before her third birthday
• Nina Simone White, living with sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects 100,000 Americans

They and many others are grateful for the donations made by civic-minded volunteer donors.

Read the personal stories of those helped by blood donations

Because the demand is so great, Carter BloodCare hosts 25-30 blood drives every day, seven days a week, across more than 50 Texas counties. In addition, Carter BloodCare has 26 fixed-site donor centers located throughout North, Central and East Texas.

Here's what's involved in the blood donation process

This holiday weekend, Americans are urged to step up and step forth to help their communities by donating blood. It's a simple yet powerful way to make a positive difference in the lives of fellow neighbors in need.

Donate to make a difference: Here's how