The Troy Police Department will hold its annual summer blood drive Friday.

The American Red Cross and the Troy Police Department co-sponsor two blood drives each year, one in summer and one in winter.

“We have been doing these drives for a number of years,” said Troy Police Spokesman Sgt. Benny Scarbrough.

“We want to urge everyone to come out to the Troy Municipal Court from noon to 6 p.m. and give some blood.”

During the months of summer people are at a higher risk of needing blood, since classes are out and families take vacations together, Scarbrough said.

“There is a higher need for blood during the holidays,” Scarbrough said. “When everyone is out traveling accidents can happen, and there are more emergency situations, too.”

And, American Red Cross Spokesman Evan Duffy agrees.

“It is for this reason that summer drives, such as the city of Troy Police Department drive, are so critical for the region’s blood supply,” Duffy said in a press release from the Troy Police Department.

“By giving blood during the summer months, every donor can do his or her part to make sure that life-saving blood is on hand when a friend, a neighbor or a family member in the community needs it most.”

Blood supply is lower during this time of the year, and by giving now before emergencies, there are higher chances that blood will be available to save lives.

Not only are the residents of Pike County urged to participate in the blood drive, many of the city employees are, as well.

“Many police officers will donate as well as city employees,” Scarbrough said.

The Red Cross will be there to take blood, and they will have volunteers handing out snacks after someone has donated.

All of the donors will also receive an American Red Cross T-shirt and will be entered into a regional drawing for a cruise for two as part of the “Save a Life and Sail the Seas” promotion.

The Blood Drive will take place in the Troy Municipal Court below the police station, facing Walnut Street.