The American Red Cross, in partnership with Nexcare Bandages and supermodel Niki Taylor, will celebrate World Blood Donor Day on June 14 with the seventh annual Nexcare give program.

The give program was created to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood and platelets and inspire people to donate this summer and all year long. Nexcare developed a collection of limited-edition bandages surrounding this year’s theme, “Creating a Culture of Giving,” to remind donors of the importance of blood donation.

Many people say they never fully understood the importance of donating blood until they or someone they loved needed it.

Red Cross spokesperson and mother of four Niki Taylor understands the need for blood all too well. In 2001, she almost lost her life after a serious car accident. During her recovery, Taylor received approximately 100 units of blood. To this day, she credits her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

Donors of all blood types are currently needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those who wish to show support and share personal blood donation stories with others on social media are encouraged to use the hashtag #GiveInspires in their posts, tweets and photos.

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

Upcoming Rowan County blood drives include:

Spencer — June 12, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Magnolia Gardens, 1404 S. Salisbury Ave.

China Grove — June 17, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at South Rowan YMCA, 950 Kimble Road.

Mount Ulla — June 24, 1:30 to 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Education Building, 11020 N.C.801.

June 28, 1 to 5 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 620 Centenary Road.

Salisbury — June 19, 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Walmart Supercenter, 323 S. Arlington St.

June 20, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Tilley Harley-Davidson, 653 Bendix Drive.

June 23, 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Salisbury Gardens, 2201 Statesville Blvd.

June 25, 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Lutheran Home Trinity Oaks, 820 Klumac Road.

June 26, 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Autumn Care, 1505 Bringle Ferry Road.