DAPHNE — The American Red Cross has scheduled several blood drives throughout July and August in Baldwin County.

One drive will be held Sunday, July 15, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Crossroads Church in Belforest.

The Red Cross wants all eligible blood donors, especially those with types O and B blood, to give blood over the coming weeks to help maintain a safe and stable blood supply.

The Red Cross must collect 700 units per day in order to meet current hospital requests for blood and blood products, according to a spokesman.

Because over half the blood ordered by hospitals in our region is Type O blood, the demand for that type is growing, according to a spokesperson.

O Positive blood can be transfused into patients with any Positive blood type, and O Negative is “Universal Donor” blood, meaning it can be transfused into all patients regardless of their blood types.

The Red Cross will host many public drives over the coming weeks in an effort to bolster the blood supply for the coming months.

Blood donors 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 Red Cross donor card to donate.

Make sure to eat properly and double your fluid intake in the 48 hours preceding blood donation.

For more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.redcrossblood.org.