The Give Red in Honor of Our Heroes in Blue Blood Drive in Washington Parish is scheduled for June 29 and 30 in Bogalusa and Franklinton, respectively.

Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette said donating blood is be something every citizen should want to do.

“Blood banks around the country are low right now in the summer, and we want to keep blood available in case it is needed,” Perrette said.

The Heroes in Blue Blood Drive is in conjunction with May’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.

“We want to encourage the public to do its part,” Perrette said. “It’s important to give blood and become a regular donor. I encourage everyone to participate. It’s important for us all to give. You never know it could be someone in your family who needs blood.”

Blood will be taken in Bogalusa on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of Tractor Supply Co. at 320 Cumberland St. On June 30, blood will be taken in Franklinton from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Winn Dixie at 731 Washington St.

The Blood Center has 15 locations in south Mississippi and Louisiana. Its home office is in New Orleans. Blood Centers are located in Washington and St. Tammany parishes, along with Pearl River and Hancock counties in Mississippi.

Blood Center account representative Christy Womack said the tragic events in Hattiesburg, Miss., where two police officers were killed in the line of duty, shows the importance of donating blood.

“I came from Hattiesburg and came here about a year ago. The recent events in Hattiesburg with the police officers are very disturbing,” Womack said. “In the summer months, blood donations decline and usage increases. I feel like tying the two together would be nice to show police officers that they are very much appreciated.”

Womack said individuals ineligible to donate blood can sign banners to let officers know they are being supported.

“It’s all about showing support for our heroes in blue,” Womack said. “The theme of the promotion is ‘Give Red in Honor of Our Heroes in Blue.’”

For more information on the blood drive, contact Womack at 985-635-9613 or by email at kwomack@thebloodcenter.org.