During National Preparedness Month in September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies.

Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition such as sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Donors of all blood types are needed.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times.

Upcoming opportunities to donate:

 

Ironton

Friday: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rock Hill High School, 2415 County Road 26

 

Franklin Furnace

• Sept. 12: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Big Sandy Superstore-Distribution Center, 8375 Gallia Pike

 

Portsmouth

• Wednesday: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Shawnee State University Student Activity Center, 940 2nd St

• Thursday: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Shawnee State University Student Activity Center, 940 2nd St

 

Huntington

• Today: 1-6:30 p.m., Valley Health, 3377 us rt 60

• Sept. 12: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Huntington Blood Donation Center, 1111 Veterans Memorial Blvd

• Sept. 15: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Marshall University Memorial Student Center, MSC 2W40 One John Marshall Drive

• Sept. 15: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., VA Rec Hall, 1540 Spring Valley Drive