The May blood drive will be conducted in the Blood Assurance mobile unit in the Bone and Joint Institute parking lot located at 3000 Edward Curd Lane in Franklin. Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute are both part of Williamson Health, a regional healthcare system based in Williamson County with more than 30 locations. Participants in this month’s blood drive will receive a free Memorial Day t-shirt, while supplies last.

As summer approaches and people become more active, the need for blood becomes more critical. The lack of blood during these months can be attributed to a decrease in school blood drives over the summer break.

“We rely a lot on high school and college blood drives and when schools ends for the summer, our demand for blood increases,” said the nonprofit’s media relations coordinator, Max Winitz. “It is important to donate this time of year to ensure that we have enough resources to save lives.”

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.