The arrival of summer brings blood shortages, according to the United Blood Services of Fort Smith, Ark. To help ensure an adequate blood supply, the Gore Fire and Police Departments have joined with United Blood Services to stress the importance of donating blood.

The bloodmobile will be in Gore for the blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Each donor will receive a special "Guns 'N Hoses" T-shirt as a gift for their blood donation.

"We are on our third emergency appeal this year," Tammy Crites, United Blood Services senior recruiter, said. "...this means that the blood supply is critically low. We need all blood types. We are asking volunteers to take a small amount of their time to give patients in the hospitals a chance to survive."

Crites said that police officers and fire fighters see first hand the importance that blood donors play in the community.

"They know that the need for blood is constant," Crites said. "They have joined United Blood Services in the 'fight for life' and are now asking the support of their community.

"These individuals work around the clock to make sure you and your family are safe. Please support these two departments in their efforts of getting the adequate blood supply your community and the surrounding area needs to save lives."

Crites said the community's goal for the Saturday event is 33 units of blood.

"To achieve that amount, we need to count on approximately 40 people to participate," Crites said.

To schedule an appointment, log on to www.bloodhero.org, contact Crites at 1-(800) 934-9415, or contact the police department at (918) 489-5963.