   Give blood, save lives this summer  June 15, 2013 The
Marietta Times   But too often, especially during the summer
months, blood collections run short. It's a concern locally and
around the world.  According to the World Health Organization,
the U.S. is among only 60 countries worldwide that receive
nearly 100 percent of its blood supply from volunteer donors.
The other 40 percent still rely on family members to donate
blood when it's needed, or they pay citizens for their blood.
One loyal donor is Bob Kubota of Lowell who says he makes giving
blood part of his regular routine. He donates monthly, and over
the years has given a total of 6 gallons of blood.  Health
officials say every bag of blood donated saves three lives.  As
is commonly the case with volunteers, blood donors are aging.
It's important that young people step up. Anyone 16 years or
older can donate.  People don't give blood for a variety of
reasons, but many are simply misunderstandings or myths. Here
are some common ones as posted on  I c