Colleges and schools are out for summer vacation, which means that one-fifth of the people who make up the blood donation supply are typically out of pocket. Also vacationing are others who donate blood on a regular basis.

All this happens at a time of the year when people are traveling and involved in a lot of outdoor activities, just the kinds of summer pursuits that can seriously impact the need for blood.

"Typically it's a tough time to collect blood," said Evan Duffy, communication specialist with American Red Cross Blood Services in the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region.

"Tap dancing on the fine line," is the way Duffy assesses this time of year where blood supply and demand are concerned. Luckily, he said, the blood supply in the area has "rebounded a bit."

ARC must collect 700 units of blood per day to meet the current hospital requests in the area for blood and blood products. Especially needed as far as blood donations are O positive and O negative blood types.

Over half of the blood ordered by hospitals in this area are Type O blood, according to Duffy. O negative is the "universal donor," meaning it can be transfused into all patients regardless of blood types.

"Foley is per capita one of the best collecting areas," said Duffy, who praised South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and the city of Foley's administration for helping get the word out about blood collection and being helpful to ARC.

A number of blood drives will be held in Foley in the weeks ahead and Duffy and ARC are hoping residents of "The Forward City" will once again step up and help stabilize the blood supply during these crucial summer months.

Blood drives will be held in the following locations:

• On July 10 at Goodrich, Building 2 lunchroom, 1300 W. Fern Ave., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• On July 10 at Vulcan Inc., 400 Berry Ave., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• On July 14 at First Baptist Church, 221 N. Alston St., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• On Aug. 2 the Bebo's Blood Drive will be held at Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Ave., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• On Aug. 3 the Bebo's Blood Drive continues at the same location, same time.

"We love to come to Foley," Duffy said.

In order to become a blood donor a person must be 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and have general good health. Donors must present a photo ID. Those wanting to donate blood should eat properly and double their intake of fluids 48 hours before giving blood.