LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Inc. will host two blood drives this week in Clanton.

The blood drives are an effort to help alleviate a shortage of certain types of blood including O Negative and A Negative.

Blood donations typically drop heavily in the summer months, with as many as 100,000 fewer donations than normal, according to a release from the Red Cross. The decline occurs because schools that often host blood drives are out of session and many regular donors are away on vacations, the release said.

LifeSouth will host a blood drive at the Walmart at 1415 7th St. S. in Clanton from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

A second blood drive will be held at the Winn-Dixie at 640 Ollie Ave. in Clanton from noon until 5 p.m.

Those planning to donate blood should bring a photo I.D.

According to the Red Cross, it is also best to drink plenty of fluids the day of blood donation, wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow, and if possible, consume iron-rich foods before donating.