The summer months are the toughest time of year for United Blood Services to keep local hospital shelves stocked with life-saving blood products.

That’s why Mash Bash, UBS’s largest blood drive of the year, is scheduled each year for July. Mash Bash began Wednesday and continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at UBS, 1321 College Drive. Eligible donors are encouraged to turn out.

“The reason it’s scheduled in the summer is it’s our toughest time period,” said Danny Cervantes, donor recruitment director for UBS. “We do rely heavily on schools and they’re out, so that hurts...