UAB  and the American Red Cross have kicked off a week-long blood drive to boost summer stockpiles of blood. The need for blood products frequently is higher in summer months due to injuries associated with increased travel and outdoor activities. Blood-donation totals often are lower during summer as normal donation patterns are disrupted.

Donations can be made from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 17 in the UAB North Pavilion second floor lobby.

The drive is part of UAB's Blood Management Initiative to increase blood donation and decrease blood use.