The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April.
Donating blood is a simple way to make a profound difference in the lives of patients.
Nearly 2.8 million people donated blood through the Red Cross last year. The Red Cross salutes these volunteer blood donors who helped fulfill its lifesaving mission and invites others to roll up a sleeve and join them, officials said.
Bill Parr has been donating blood for more than 30 years.
“I think it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do, knowing that such a simple act can have such a positive impact on another human being in a time of need,” he said.
Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring.
Persons interested in donating blood may make an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling (800) RED-CROSS: (800) 733-2767.
Upcoming opportunities to donate blood include:
April 6
St. Basil Catholic Church,
513 Monroe, Blvd.,
South Haven
Noon to 5:45 p.m.

St. Johns United
Church of Christ,
601 Sycamore Ave., Niles
Noon to 5:45 p.m.

April 7
Bloomingdale Telephone Co.,
101 West Kalamazoo St., Bloomingdale
Noon to 5:45 p.m.

April 12
Knights of Columbues,
32373 E. Red Arrow Highway, Paw Paw
Noon to 5:45 p.m.

April 14
Hilton Garden Inn,
1300 Cinema Way,
Benton Harbor
Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Urban Cottage,
23970 City Center Circle,
Mattawan
Noon to 4:45 p.m.

How to help
Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS 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 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. 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.