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We have heard the cry so many times in recent years — and many, thankfully, heed the call to donate blood.

Received an e-mail last week about bloodlifeline.com, an initiative launched by Virginia Blood Services to bridge the gap between the commonwealth’s donors and the need for blood.

This program makes available “real-time updates about blood, plasma and platelets needs and shortages to donors based on their individual blood type.”

By visiting the site, Virginians can keep blood here and help their neighbors in need.

Through bloodlifeline.com, you can:

- Schedule a donation.
- Sign up for mobile and e-mail alerts of specific blood types whenever there is a local shortage.
- Subscribe to the “Need Feed,” a Twitter feed broadcasting specific blood needs in Virginia.

Because of elective surgeries and accidents associated with summer activities, the need for blood increases this time of the year.

On Thursday, there was an immediate need for O-, O+, A- and B-.

So, whether it’s through Virginia Blood Services or the Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross, you can make a difference this summer by donating blood.

Information about the Red Cross can be found at http://www.redcross.org.

We’ve all heard it, now we can live it: Give the gift of life.

Etc.

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