The United States is facing a blood shortage crisis. In July, the American Red Cross announced that blood donations have fallen to a four-year low and that it is limiting the distribution of type O blood (the most transfusable blood type) to hospitals only. Fortunately, this is an area where small businesses can help.

According to the Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood and/or platelets every two seconds, which is a very large burden for a system that relies primarily on individuals donating them. For instance, a car accident victim could need as many as 100 units of blood and a cancer patient may require transfusions regularly when they are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. When hospitals have a high demand, but there is a low donor turnout, a crisis is declared. Here are three ways businesses can help rebuild the nation’s blood supply.

1. Provide Information On How To Donate

Pointing your employees and customers in the right direction on where to blood or platelets is a good first step. The Red Cross manages roughly 40% of the United States’ blood supply and individuals can make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. In addition, America’s Blood Centers and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies also take donations and information on how to do so can also be found on their respective websites.

2. Give Employees Time To Donate

As with voting, one of the most surefire ways to encourage your employees to donate blood is to give them time off to do so. The average length of time to donate a unit of blood can be up to two hours with travel and for platelets, it can go up to as high as four. Offering your employees paid time off to donate will make it easy for them to contribute without having to worry about how to fit it into their day.

Perhaps the biggest step you can take is to host a blood drive. The Red Cross provides recruitment tools, equipment and supplies, and trained staff so all businesses have to do is block off the time and the space. If you are interested in hosting, you can get the process started on the Red Cross’s website .

Very few people think about our nation’s blood supply until they actually need a unit of blood. By helping rebuild it, you will be supporting your family, friends, and your community.