Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsStina Fitch, a collection technician with the American Red Cross, takes samples of blood during a blood drive at The Medical Center Health and Wellness Center, located at Greenwood Mall, on Thursday.

Morgan Anderson doesn’t like needles, but she becomes fearless when it comes to giving blood.

“I love the way it feels when I give blood because I’m saving someone’s life,” the Butler County native said on Thursday during a blood drive at The Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Center at Greenwood Mall. “It wasn’t painful at all.”

As the summer months approach, the American Red Cross is asking that more people take the time to donate blood, particularly Type O, which is the universal donor.

“During the summer months we see a drop in numbers (of donors). School is out. The school districts are 20 percent of donations throughout the year,” said Michelle Mangum, donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross Tennessee Valley Region, which covers much of Tennessee and parts of Kentucky, including Bowling Green. “We need more people to step up to the plate. We’re not asking people to donate money. We’re asking them to donate their time and blood. Every 56 days a person can give blood.”

Anderson was donating blood for the second time. She said her mom is her inspiration for giving blood.

“She encouraged me,” she said. “She talked about how good it makes her feel.”

Daye Young of Bowling Green has been giving blood for more than a decade. She first gave blood as a senior at Western Kentucky University.

“I like to try to give regularly. It does not hurt,” she said. “I’ve had an occasion of lightheadedness, but not enough to keep me from giving.”

Community Wellness Director Linda Rush said blood drives have been held regularly at the Health and Wellness Center since it opened 12 years ago. They happen from noon to 5 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month.

“The location is convenient for people. No appointment is required,” she said. “The mall is nice enough to announce it every 30 minutes.”

Mangum agreed that Greenwood Mall is a convenient location.

“We collect about 15 to 20 units here each month,” she said.

Donating blood is important, said Rush, who had also given blood during the drive.

“Blood really is the gift of life,” she said. “We’re pleased that the Red Cross uses our facility. It’s a partnership.”

People who want to donate must have identification such as a driver’s license, be 16 or older, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good health. Those who are under 16 must have parental consent.

When donors arrive, they read pamphlets with donation guidelines, sign in and do health histories before getting their blood drawn if they are eligible, Mangum said. The blood later goes through a testing process for HIV and hepatitis before it goes to hospitals and patients.

“(The donation process) takes 45 minutes to one hour depending on how long it takes to do the health history,” she said. “That usually takes the longest.”

— For more information about blood drives, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.redcross.org or tv.bloodisneeded.org.

Bowling Green American Red Cross accepts blood donations from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays at the office, 430 Center St. The Red Cross also will have blood drives at the following locations:

• Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2232 Smallhouse Road, from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday;

• Rosewood Health Care Center, 550 High St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday;

• Greenwood Park Church of Christ, 1818 Campbell Lane, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 7;

• Bowling Green Donorama, Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 15;

• Broadway United Methodist Church, 1323 Melrose St., from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 18;

• The Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Center at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, from noon to 5 p.m. June 25;

• Greenview Regional Hospital, 1801 Ashley Circle, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20.