Effective April 1, the American Red Cross began supplying blood and blood products to Sequoyah Memorial Hospital in Sallisaw.

The agreement makes the Red Cross the sole provider of blood to the Sallisaw area. Hospital Administrator Chuck Wade said the hospital switched blood providers for a variety of reasons. The previous blood supplier was United Blood Services in Fort Smith, Ark.

Sallisaw residents will have the opportunity to donate blood at the hospital from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on June 15, when the American Red Cross holds a blood drive there.

"This partnership is extremely important to the Red Cross" Delisa English, American Red Cross Blood Services - Oklahoma chief executive officer, said. "We thank Sequoyah Memorial Hospital for this great opportunity and remind the Sallisaw community that we need their help to make sure blood is available when it's needed, especially during the difficult summer months."

Summer is the most difficult time for blood collection, with students out of school and many people on vacation. However, the need for blood doesn't take a summer break. In fact, with more travel and outside activities, the need for blood can actually increase. To help with summer collections, the Red Cross has brought back, for the third year, a very successful promotion. All those who donate at any Red Cross blood drive, between now and Labor Day, will be eligible to win $1,500 in free gas.

For more information on donating blood or sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red Cross, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543.) To donate blood you must be 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds and be in generally good health. The Red Cross reminds donors to bring a picture ID when coming to donate.