INEZ — As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Kentucky Blood Center is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help replenish the blood supply during a community blood drive June 8 in Inez.

The drive will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin County Public Library-Collier Center Gym, 387 East Main Street.

Donors who participate will receive a “United We Give” T-shirt and a voucher for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream while supplies last as part of the Kentucky Blood Center’s “Red, White and Blue Bell” summer campaign recognizing the nation’s semiquincentennial.

The need for blood donations remains constant. Kentucky Blood Center officials say one in four people will require a blood transfusion during their lifetime, and hospitals depend entirely on volunteer donors.

The organization supplies blood to more than 70 hospitals across Kentucky and says it needs about 400 donors each day to maintain an adequate inventory. Summer months often see a decline in donations as schools close and families travel, even as demand can increase due to seasonal injuries and trauma cases.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a photo identification. Additional eligibility requirements apply.

Appointments are encouraged, though walk-in donors are welcome. To schedule a donation, visit Kentucky Blood Center’s website at kybloodcenter.org or call 800-775-2522.

Kentucky Blood Center serves 90 Kentucky counties and operates donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and Corbin.