The American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood doesn’t take a break. Blood and platelets remain at risk of running low this month. Donors are crucial to helping the Red Cross avoid a blood shortage in the weeks to come.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O donors and platelet donors, are encouraged to make and keep appointments to donate. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

When donors lend an arm this month, the Red Cross will lend a hand. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma by Friday, March 31, will receive a $10 Visa Prepaid Card by email. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card – which could help toward expenses like gas or groceries. There will be five lucky winners. Details are available at rcblood.org/help.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Herkimer County

Mohawk — Tuesday, March 21, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Church, 71 E. Main St.;

Old Forge — Wednesday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town of Webb High School, 3022 Main St.

Madison County

Hamilton — Wednesday, March 29, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hamilton High School, 47 W. Kendrick Ave.;

Madison — Wednesday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Madison High School, 7303 Route 20;

Morrisville — Thursday, March 30, 1 to 6 p.m., Morrisville Community Church, 3824 Swamp Road;

Oneida — Friday, March 24, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles St.

Oneida County

Barneveld — Today, Friday, March 17, 1 to 6 p.m., Town of Trenton Municipal Center, 8520 Old Poland Road;

Clinton — Saturday, March 18, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., United Methodist Church, 105 Utica Road;

Oriskany — Friday, March 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oriskany Junior Senior High School, 1312 Utica St.;

Rome — Monday, March 20, 1 to 6 p.m., Elks Lodge, 126 W. Liberty St.; Friday, March 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 502 W. Chestnut St.

Sauquoit — Thursday, March 30, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sauquoit Valley High School, 2601 Oneida St.;

Utica — Today, Friday, March 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., State Office Building, 207 Genesee St.; Tuesday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Temple Emanu-El, 2710 Genesee St.

Whitesboro — Friday, March 24, noon to 5 p.m., Dunham Public Library, 76 Main St.

Oswego County

Cleveland — Tuesday, March 28, 1 to 6 p.m., Bethel Community Fellowship, 240 Route 49.

How to donate blood

To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.