Crenshaw County residents are asked to step up to the plate this month and give the gift of life.

LifeSouth’s Blood Mobiles will be in the county for four blood drives this month.

Melinda Hinds of LifeSouth said there is a need for blood.

“We are in need of all O negative and O positive donors at this time,” she said. “Donating blood is a very simple process that only takes about 30-45 minutes.”

First Citizens Bank will kick off the drives on Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Crenshaw Community Hospital will have one on Aug. 21, from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

There will be a drive at SMART on Aug. 27, from noon until 7 p.m., and on Aug. 31 at Chicken Shack from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

According to LifeSouth’s website, one blood donation can sup up to three lives, and 4.5 million Americans will need a blood transfusion this year.

To give blood, one must be in good health, 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo ID.

Hinds said 16-year-olds may give blood with parental consent, if they meet the requirements.

Additionally, Hinds said all donations with LifeSouth stay here at home to supply local public hospitals.