There is a critical shortage of blood. One health group is addressing that need.

St. Vincent's Medical Center's blood drive saw an impressive turnout.

Doctors say the Fourth of July holiday is a crucial time and that there is a lack of supply.

Mario DiDomenico, from Orange, has been donating blood for the past few years. He knows how important it is.

"To give back. I know there's a blood shortage, and so I thought at my age, it's something worthwhile doing," said DiDomenico.

Julie Cruz, an 18-year-old from West Haven, donated for the first time.

"Helping the community is the No. 1 priority for me," said Cruz.

Jon DeCasanova, with the Connecticut Blood Center, says the summer months are a difficult time for the blood supply with summer travel.

"Just that 1 pint of whole blood can save three lives," said DeCasanova.

He says the whole process takes less than an hour. "Donating is such a simple thing to do in order to make such positive effect on patient lives," said DeCasanova. Doctors say there is currently less than a 2-3-day supply of critical blood types across the region. This puts patients at risk.

"Lot of traumas during the summer. A lot of accidents, car accidents. I mean that increases the need for blood," said Dr Eugene Lewis at St Vincent's Medical Center. "And we encourage donors to consider donating multiple times a year."

The Connecticut Blood Center is calling on businesses, schools, religious groups, and community organizations to step up and host drives to help fill the gap.