For starters, let's crunch some numbers: 3 = number of lives saved by one pint of donated blood; 32,000 = pints of donated blood used every day in the US; 4.5 million = American lives saved each year by blood transfusions; 60 = percentage of eligible blood donors in US; 5 = the percentage of eligible donors who donate. Anyone in good health, at least 17 years old and weighing at least 110 pounds, may donate blood every 56 days. It's the end of the dog days of summer, with its heat, humidity and mosquitoes. As we transition into the easygoing fall, show you care by helping save a life. Participate in the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Public Blood Drives ongoing throughout September at the Community Blood Center, 4447 South Blvd. at various times all over the region. For more information, call 704-972-4700 or go to www.cbcc.us/donate.