Blood Drive Targets Summer Slump

Locals will have two chances to donate blood on July 5 — providing some relief during a dry spell for donation banks.

With a vacation hub like Charleston, it's not hard to find people walking the streets. But it gets a little lonely at local blood drives as donors hit the beach or head out of town for their own get-away.

"Patients can't take a summer break from needing blood. That blood can only come from our generous volunteers," said Christy Joyner, medical technologist with Trident Health.

Trident is hosting blood drives from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 5 at and .

Donations are down so far this year, according to a Trident release, with particularly urgent needs for types O negative, O positive, B negative and A negative blood donations.

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-733-2767 or schedule your appointment at redcrossblood.org and enter "tridentmed" as the sponsor. Walk-ins are welcome.