The American Red Cross urged eligible donors to ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients by giving blood this February.

During the winter months, inclement winter weather and seasonal illnesses can keep regular donors from giving blood. Healthy donors of all blood types are needed to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in their own communities as well as areas where donors were unable to give due to severe winter weather. Individuals with types O, AB, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.

Donor Loretta Brandon knows how important it is to have a readily available blood supply. Her late husband required transfusions from generous strangers multiple times for health conditions. She gives blood as often as she can.

“Every time I give blood, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all I have and for the fact that I can share with others,” she said.

Make an appointment to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Riverland Community College; from 1 to 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Bridge Community Church; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb 19 at Mayo Clinic Health System and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.