The American Red Cross is urging blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a chronic summer blood shortage.

A blood drive will be held from 2-7 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Richmond Hill Fire Department at 9930 Ford Ave. As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.

In August, regular donors may delay giving as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. To fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, donations are urgently needed from new and current donors.

Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red donations can be made every 112 days.

Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

2-7 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Fire Department, 9930 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill

To find other blood donation opportunities in the Savannah and surrounding areas, visit redcrossblood.org.