In an effort to boost critically low local blood supplies, several Rotary Clubs are coming together to host a blood drive Aug. 21.

The effort is being hailed “Rotary to the Rescue!” All available donors are urged to give at one of the following locations or contact the appropriate Rotary representative for more details:

• Effingham Sunrise: 7 a.m.-noon at First Christian Church, Guyton – Mark Bryant –  mbfam7@aol.com
• Pooler: 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Joe Baker Park/Highway 80 – Tim Beasley – tim_beasley@praxair.com
• Savannah South: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Red Cross Donor Center/Tibet – Tom Hussey – tom.hussey@agedwards.com
• Savannah Sunrise: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Johnson Square – Deepika Paul – deepika_paul@ucb.com

Increased car accidents and emergency room visits during the summer months result in increased demand for blood and ensuing shortages.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. With the average donation resulting in only one pint of blood, one can see how crucial it is for all eligible donors to give now.

“There’s a desperate need for all blood types,” said Dean Smith of the American Red Cross. “Reserves are very low.”

To be eligible to donate blood you must be 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health; valid identification is required.