NASHUA — The American Red Cross and Nashua High School South are working together this month to help hospital patients in New Hampshire and across the country.

The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Without constant support from generous volunteer donors, blood products may not be ready the moment patients need them. Donors are critically needed as there has been a sharp decrease in donations since late spring. All blood types are needed, particularly donors giving type O.

Nashua High School South at 8 Titan Way will host the Rock the Heat Blood Drive on July 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

When you make an appointment to donate blood, you will be helping to support patients as well as your local high school students. Through the Community Club Program, Nashua High School South will earn credit for every pint collected. That credit can then be used by the school to purchase supplies, uniforms, equipment or other items to meet the school’s needs. Participating students also gain valuable leadership skills through this experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with the American Red Cross – and proud that our students are stepping up to help save lives. If you know someone who has been in an accident, had surgery or a serious illness, chances are you already know someone who has received blood,” said Keith Richard, principal of Nashua High School South. “My hope is to work together with this community to collect 192 lifesaving pints of blood. So, I invite you to come donate at the Rock the Heat Blood Drive on July 10.”

Every day in New Hampshire, the Red Cross must collect 165 pints of blood to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. Twenty-seven hospitals across the state depend on the Red Cross.