The American Red Cross has been filling critical needs since 1881. Now, this organization has a critical need of its own.

The Red Cross’s blood supply has dropped to significantly low levels, and the organization has issued an appeal for all blood types — especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient. The Red Cross will be holding two upcoming blood drives in Selma: one Wednesday July 13 from noon to 5 p.m., when the Bloodmobile will be parked in front of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library and one Tuesday July 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Park Place Nursing and Rehab Center Activity Room.

The American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States — blood which is distributed to 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers worldwide.

The Red Cross can only do this through the donations of willing volunteers who understand the importance of these lifesaving contributions. Not everyone can give of their money, their abilities or even their time to a charitable organization like the Red Cross.

However, everyone has blood. Furthermore, the requirements to be able to donate are limited — you must be 17 or older, 110 pounds and in good health.

It only takes about 10 minutes to donate one pint of blood, plus registration and wait time at a local blood drive, and that much blood can help save up to three lives. Blood is needed for everyone from car crash victims to cancer patients. Although the American Red Cross is experiencing a limited and quickly diminishing supply, there is an unlimited supply available — if people in Selma and Dallas County will take the time to give.