Blood drives are scheduled in Kimberling City and Branson to help those affected by the devastation in Joplin. Blood is one of the key needs at this time, especially type O-negative blood. The American Red Cross will have its bloodmobile in Kimberling City today from noon to 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on Beach Boulevard. You must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood.

Other blood drives this week include one at St. John's Hospital in Berryville, Arkansas Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And Jubilee Foods in Branson hosts a blood drive Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Branson is hosting a blood drive next Tuesday, May 31st from noon to 6 p.m. It will be held in the Redbud, Magnolia and Dogwood conference rooms.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a Code Red alert for type O-negative, and encourages anyone with that type to donate immediately. For more information, call 1-800-280-5337