The American Red Cross is issuing a call for donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets.
The organization notes in a news release that since influenza has been escalating across the country, it's preventing some donors from giving.
The Red Cross also reports that during winter weather has been threatening to cancel blood drives causing a critical shortage of type O blood.
Experts note that donating one unit of blood can save up to three lives.
Donors of all blood types –- especially types O positive and O negative -– are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets.
Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting their website, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Bigfork
- 1/23/2020: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Glacier Bank (Bigfork), 8251 MT Hwy 35
- 1/28/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Coverdell
Kalispell
- 1/20/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 495 5th Ave WN
- 1/24/2020: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Best Buy, 2407 Hwy 93 North
- 1/29/2020: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Kalispell Elks Lodge, 1820 Hwy 93S
- 1/30/2020: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., US Forest Service Offices, 650 Wolfpack Way
- 1/31/2020: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Kalispell City Hall Council Chamber, City Hall Council Chambers, 201 1st Ave East
- 2/10/2020: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hope Church, 436 Birch Grove
- 2/14/2020: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Communities, 185 Crestline Ave
Polson
- 1/21/2020: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., United Methodist Church, United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave East
Ronan
- 1/23/2020: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., St. Luke Community Hospital, 107 6th Ave SW
Superior
- 2/13/2020: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Superior High School Multi Purpose Room, 410 Arizona
Missoula
- 1/21/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Good Food Store, 1600 South 3rd Street West
- 1/21/2020: 2 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 Brooks St
- 1/22/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., University of Montana Continuing Ed Building, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive
- 1/22/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., University of Montana Jesse Hall, University of Montana
- 1/23/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road
- 1/25/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lowe's, 3100 Reserve Street
- 1/28/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 East Main
- 1/28/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Bicycle Hangar, 1801 Brooks, Suite B
- 1/29/2020: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Aerial Fire Depot, 5765 W. Broadway
- 1/30/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Missoula City Offices, 435 Ryman
- 1/31/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive
- 2/11/2020: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Partnership Health Center, 401 Railroad St. West
- 2/12/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., University of Montana Continuing Ed Building, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive
Darby
- 1/20/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Darby High School, 209 School Drive
Hamilton
- 1/30/2020: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Marcus Daly Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive
- 2/11/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane
The American Red Cross notes that 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.
Additionally, high school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
