American Red Cross

The American Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2015, beginning with National Blood Donor Month in January.

National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It has been observed during January since 1970, and that’s no coincidence. Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Unpredictable winter weather can result in blood drive cancelations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be constantly replenished to maintain an adequate supply for patients.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood drives

Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Stallings Memorial Baptist, 817 S. Main St.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at South Rowan YMCA, 950 Kimble Road, China Grove.

Friday, Jan. 9, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Salisbury Masonic Lodge, 401 N. Fulton St.

Jan. 11 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Millbridge Ruritan, 490 Sloan Road

Jan. 11 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 355 E. Ridge Road

Jan. 12 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Chick-fil-A, 902 E. Innes St.

Jan. 12 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Rufty Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. MLK, Jr. Ave.

Jan. 12 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at Hurley Elementary School, 625 Hurley School Road

Jan. 12 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul Church Road

Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rowan Regional Medical Center, 612 Mocksville Ave.

Jan. 26 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Walmart Supercenter, 323 S. Arlington St.