The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood this May in honor of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8, the birthday of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day recognizes the local and global impact of the Red Cross mission. It is the only blood services organization that also provides disaster relief, services for active and veteran military personnel and their families, and health and safety training.

Last year about 3.1 million volunteer blood donors rolled up a sleeve to help the Red Cross meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types — especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative — are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a lifesaving donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area will be from 1 to 7 p.m. May 1 at Calvary Baptist Church in Albert Lea, from noon to 6 p.m. May 11 at Alden-Conger High School and from 1 to 7 p.m. May 14 at United Methodist Church in Albert Lea.