County residents will have the opportunity to give blood at two different locations in Sallisaw Tuesday.

Residents can donate at an American Red Cross blood drive at Sequoyah County Health Department from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Or they can donate to United Blood Services of Fort Smith, Ark., from 2 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter.

RED CROSS

The American Red Cross wants residents to "Rock and Roll up Your Sleeves" this summer and donate blood. During May and June, those donating at a Red Cross donation center or at select blood drives will receive a special rocker-style T-shirt and the opportunity to win an authentic Lynyrd Skynyrd platinum album.

"It doesn't matter if you love Elvis, download hip-hop to an I-pod, or sing in the shower, music gives life and so does donating blood," Delisa English, chief executive officer of American Red cross Southwest Region-Oklahoma. "It's not the Red Cross that needs your donation; it's a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker who is counting on blood being on the hospital shelves."

In recent years, summer months have been particularly difficult on the community's blood supply. The need for blood is especially high in the summer due to an increase in travel because of family vacations and school breaks.

The Red Cross urges not only rockers but everyone to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givelife.org to make an appointment to help save a life. English said in less time that it takes to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Second Helping" platinum album that the Red Cross is raffling away to donors, residents can help save the lives of up to three people.

"Only at the Red Cross can you help save a life and maybe win a Lynyrd Skynyrd platinum album," English said.

Donors need to be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old to donate blood. The Red Cross reminds those coming to donate to bring photo identification.

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES

Melody Smith with United Blood Services said it is important to come together as a community to help one another.

"Please take a few minutes to help save lives and come out to Wal-Mart and donate blood," Smith asked. "Donate and receive a free T-shirt."

Smith pointed out that the rules on blood donation have changed. Where there was once a year-long deferral for a tattoo, that rule no longer applies.

Blood donated at the upcoming blood drive will help save the lives of patients in 28 local hospitals throughout the area.

Blood donors must be 17 years or older and in good health. People who have given at least three times - with one of those donations in the past six months - are eligible for a streamlined health interview with fewer questions before their donation. Donors are asked to bring a photo identification and Donor Card every time they donate. First-time donors receive a Donor Card with their blood type in the mail shortly after their first donation. United Blood Services provides a free cholesterol test on all donations.

To schedule an appointment call Smith at (479) 651-7168 or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org.