A blood drive for the American Red Cross will be held Feb. 9 at Piedmont Hospital’s 1279 Building from noon to 5 p.m.

Every day in Fayette County, someone needs a blood transfusion, but the need for blood far exceeds donations, hospital officials said.

Blood is needed every two seconds nationwide for emergency medical situations and is often needed for the treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients.

All blood types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.

Donors must be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must not have given blood in the last 56 days.

Call the Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary office at 770-719-7098 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments will be honored first.