The American Red Cross is in need of volunteer blood donors with all blood types, particularly those with Type O Positive or Type O Negative, due to ongoing summer shortages.

Due to slow collections, an increasing demand from the summer travel and holiday season and a projected nationwide shortage this summer, the Red Cross is urging all eligible donors to give at blood drives and donor centers over the next several weeks as a way of elevating the blood supply to a safe and stable level.

Type O blood makes up over half the total blood requested by the more than 100 hospitals served in the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region, according to a Red Cross spokesperson. Projections for the summer indicate that collections are running below normal for the early summer.

In order do become a blood donor, one must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors must present a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or American Red Cross donor card to donate.

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING DRIVES:

Daphne

•Aug. 17: Daphne Recreation Center, 2605 U.S. Highway 98; 12 to 5:30 p.m.

•Sept. 2: Christ the King Catholic Church, 715 College Ave.; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bay Minette

•Aug. 24: Wal-Mart, 701 McMeans Alabama Highway 59; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Sept. 5: First Baptist Church of Bay Minette, 1201 Hand Avenue; 3 to 7 p.m.

Gulf Shores

•Aug. 20: Cobb Theater, 3780 Gulf Shores Parkway; 2 to 7 p.m.