The Peachtree City United Methodist Church and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the church’s youth facilities, 400 Windgate Road in Peachtree City. The Youth Center is adjacent to J.C. Booth Middle School on Peachtree Parkway.

The American Red Cross is currently in a state of media appeal; there is a severe shortage of blood supplies needed for life saving transfusions. Without increased blood donations, area health services may not be able to meet all patient needs.

National blood inventories have fallen to critically low levels. Any extra blood in the country is being sent to the mid-Atlantic area where there is flooding and little or no ability to collect blood for their hospitals.

Donors should be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a parent or guardian present, must weigh 110 pounds, be in good health and show photo identification.

Before donating blood, donors should drink plenty of caffeine-free fluids, eat iron rich foods like beef, peanut butter and spinach, and get a good night’s sleep.

Donors may make an appointment or get further information about the drive by contacting Alyssa Anderson, 770-853-3593.