The Gathering Place in Peachtree City will host a blood drive on Monday, Aug. 6 from 4-9 p.m. in honor of Fayetteville resident Kristen Allen. Allen, the mother of two children, will be having brain and spinal surgery on Aug. 13 and could possibly need blood transfusions. Allen’s blood type is O Positive, which means she can only accept O Positive and O Negative blood. There is a tremendous shortage of O blood in the state and the nation. The blood drive on Monday is seeking all types of blood though to make sure that it is available for the people who need it.

“Type O blood is vitally important and we are down to very little in our blood banks,” said Mario Sedlock, Director of Donor Services for the American Red Cross Blood Services Southern Region. “Anyone who needs a transfusion can safely receive type O negative blood, while approximately 86 percent of the population can receive type O positive blood in an emergency. It is critical that patients receive transfusions of their own blood type or one that is compatible with their blood type. Patients who receive incompatible blood can become ill or even die.”

Most people who are 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds, can give blood. Because blood cells regenerate, it is safe to donate every 56 days. While approximately 60 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, nationally, only 5 percent actually donate. For more information or to sign-up for an upcoming blood drive, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.givebloodredcross.org.