The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though – every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.

“Donating blood helps save lives and can affect people you know and work alongside every day,” said Scott Nethery, whose 7-year-old daughter Audrey requires frequent transfusions. Audrey was born with Diamond Blackfan anemia, a rare condition where her body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. “I am so appreciative of the individuals whose blood is within my daughter at this very moment. Without blood, my little angel would not be with us today.”

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 1-5, 2016, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.

Local opportunities are available on the following dates:

• July 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Andalusia Health, 849 South Three Notch;

• July 7, noon until 4 p.m., Florala Health and Rehab, 23621 Goldenrod Ave.

• July 12, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, 2027 East Three Notch St.,

• July 19, 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, East Three Notch Street.