The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter. Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative.

Blood is needed to respond to emergencies large and small, across the country every day. For Heather Von Glahn, it was a personal emergency — her 8-year-old daughter’s leukemia diagnosis — that inspired her to make the commitment to give blood regularly. “I’ve seen blood save her life at least 10 times,” said Von Glahn. “When friends and family ask what they can do for my daughter, I tell them to donate blood. It matters so much!”

Blood donations are urgently needed now and throughout the winter to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• Ironton: Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ironton High School, 1701 S. 7th Street

• Huntington: Feb. 2 from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Feb. 9 from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.,, Huntington Blood Donation Center, 1111 Veterans Memorial Blvd

• Lucasville: Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Valley High School, 1821 State Route 728

• Portsmouth: Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Glenwood High School, 1 Glenwood Tiger Trail

• Ashland: Feb. 5 from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Central Fire Station, 1021 Carter Ave

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross