The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood this summer for hospital patients in need and offers three easy steps people can take to help save lives.

1. Schedule
Use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

2. Prepare
Get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious meal and drink extra fluids.

3. Give
The donation process start to finish takes about an hour. The actual donation only takes about 10 minutes.
Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held - and where new donors give - are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can make an even greater impact by inviting others to join them in giving.

Upcoming drives:
June 28
10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Newman Gym, 439 Bundy Ave., Fort Stewart
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hinesville Masonic Lodge 271 & VA Clinic, 500 E Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville
June 29
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Jesup Health and Rehab, 3100 Savannah Highway, Jesup
1-6 p.m., Pittman Park United Methodist Church, 1102 Fair Road, Statesboro
8 a.m.-1 p.m., YMCA West Chatham, 165 Isaac G. LaRoche Drive, Pooler