Only five Armed Services Blood Program drives remain in this summer's collection series on Fort Knox, and donors are encouraged to come out and help save lives.

ASBP collection teams arrived at Fort Knox June 22 and have conducted nine drives as of Tuesday. The remaining five drives are set for Saturday, Sunday, Aug. 8, 9 and 14, all at Smith Physical Fitness Center.

While the drives are primarily focused on the ROTC cadets attending Cadet Summer Training, everyone in the Fort Knox and surrounding communities are encouraged to donate. Cadets will be scheduled a specific donation time while all others can donate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. They will be greeted separately to maximize their time. Everyone coming out to donate will receive a free ASBP T-shirt and a heart-felt "thank you."

The ASBP is partnering with the U.S. Army Cadet Command to conduct these blood drives. The ASBP is the official blood collection agency for the U.S. military and is tasked with providing blood to ill or injured service members and their Families worldwide.

Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, ASBP director, said blood is a single-source commodity and only comes from people voluntarily giving it.

"Every hour of every day someone, somewhere needs blood," Fahie said. "These blood drives with the ROTC cadets and the Fort Knox community are vital to us meeting those needs. Our partnership with the (U.S.) Army Cadet Command's leadership in putting these drives in place is invaluable and reflects everyone's desire to help others, now and in the future. Our wounded service members and their Families benefit greatly from everyone's generosity and teamwork."

All ASBP drives are open to people 18 years old and older--military or civilian. Potential donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and been feeling well for at least three consecutive days. They must also be well hydrated and have eaten something before donating. Those wanting to donate should bring a list of foreign countries traveled to--be sure to include when, where and for how long--and a photo ID such as a military ID or driver's license.

This is the fourth year the ASBP has conducted blood drives on Fort Knox. Last year's effort collected 2,957 units of blood in 13 drives. Since a single blood donation has the potential to save up three lives, more than 8,800 blood products were made available to ill and injured people throughout the Department of Defense.

"Our thanks and gratitude goes out to everyone who donated with us last year and we hope to see even more donate this year," Fahie said. "Donating blood is an easy process that everyone can and should do. It only takes a few minutes of your time and can have lifesaving effects for others."

In addition to the ASBP blood drives, American Red Cross collection teams will be conducting drives at Fort Knox Aug. 3-4.