The Troy Police Department will be hosting LifeSouth for a blood drive Tuesday across the street from the police station.

Troy Police Chief Randall Barr said the department schedules a few blood drives a year, but the department did not plan this one in advance.

“LifeSouth gave us a call and wanted to know if we would host another one,” Barr said, ”They like that location; it’s been very successful in the past for them. We’re happy to try and help them out. With everything that’s been going on with the weather, I know the need for blood is high right now.”

Barr said the department is glad to serve the community by holding the drives.

“There’s always a need in the community,” Barr said. “You never know when you’re going to need that blood; it could be life-changing to receive that. There’s a heavy demand for blood. It’s needed during surgeries or when someone comes into the ER; blood can make the difference. You never know when that time is going to come.”

To give blood you must be in good health, 17 years or older (or 16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D.

The Life South bloodmobile will be out from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information, go to www.LifeSouth.org