There are at least 16 blood banks in the state of Assam, in the district of Kamrup. These blood banks contain rare groups of blood as well, that comes in handy during emergency situations. Most of these are situated in close vicinity to the hospitals so that blood can reach the needy on time. Mostly charity organisations and other welfare associations conduct blood donation camps in schools, colleges and other public places to collect blood from people. This blood is then submitted to the blood banks, which in turn provide the same to hospitals, thus saving lives when emergency strikes unexpectedly.