The Red Cross has announced there is a critical need for blood following last week’s tornadoes.

Locally, there are four blood drives scheduled thus far for the month of May.

• Mizell Memorial Hospital will hold a LifeSouth blood drive May 11 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

• Bethany Baptist Church will hold a Red Cross blood drive May 18 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

• Harmony Baptist Church will hold a Red Cross blood drive May 25 from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

• The City of Andalusia will hold a Red Cross blood drive May 26 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

In order to give blood, one must be healthy, be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Additionally, one must not have given blood within the last 56 days.

Donors will need to bring an official form of identification that shows proof of age, signature and photo such as a passport or driver’s license.