Red Cross plans blood drawings

Press release

The American Red Cross will be holding blood draws in Hill and Blaine counties next week.

There is a special need for O-negative and O-positive blood types. Donors can call 800-695-7258 to schedule an appointment with donor recruiting.

Here is the schedule.

Monday — St. Jude Parish Center, Havre, noon to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday — Wallner Hall, Chinook, 1 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday  Fort Belknap  Hospital, 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday — Our Saviors Lutheran  Church, Chester, 1 to  6 p.m.

Thursday —  Havre Holiday Village Mall Community Room,  11 a.m. to  3 p.m.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood this May in honor of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. May 8 is 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. For more than 130 years, the American Red Cross has been helping people, including those in need of blood transfusions, in communities across the U.S. 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 http://www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-695-7258. 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 http://www.redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.