There’s a lot of films out this summer that feature larger than life heroes.

The latest Spiderman installment is already out, and the Fantastic Four and Harry Potter sequels are due out soon.

We enjoy watching these fantasies because there is a hero who we believe will come through in the end.

There is a way, however, for almost anyone to become a hero – by giving blood.

The LifeSouth Community Blood Centers announced this week the state is suffering an emergency blood shortage.

Currently, the state is in “critical” need of O Positive, O Negative, A Positive and A Negative blood types.

At Vaughan Regional Medical Center, the blood supply is not at full capacity, said Merrill South, Vaughan community relations liaison.

However, Vaughan has not been affected by the shortage.

“We’re good, but not fully stocked,” South said.

The LifeSouth bloodmobile will make its monthly stop in the Selma Wal-Mart parking lot on July 2.

Blood donors must be:

At least 17 years old

Weigh 110 pounds or more, and

Show a photo I.D.

Based in Gainesville, Fla., LifeSouth has 15 donor centers in Albertville, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Dothan, Florence, Huntsville, Montgomery and Opelika.

The blood center supplied more than 130,000 blood components for Alabama hospitals in the last year.

Be a real-life hero to someone who needs your help.

Give blood.