An urgent plea for blood donations of all types was issued Monday by the American Red Cross.

Evan Duffy, Red Cross communications manager, said because many donors are busy or traveling, donations have dropped dramatically.

In May and June, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has seen in this timeframe in more than a dozen years, while demand for blood products remained steady, he said.

“Because of that, the Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever,” he said. “All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.”

Local residents have three upcoming opportunities to give blood – Thurs., July 14, at First Baptist Church in Andalusia; on Wed., July 27, at the Mark Beverly Jr. memorial blood drive at Greentree Christian Fellowship from 12:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m.; and on Fri., July 29, at the Ramer twins memorial blood drive, held at LBWCC’s MacArthur campus conference center from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and in Andalusia at Superior Bank from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.