RED CROSS NEEDS HELP

As we head into spring severe weather, the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas has an urgent need for additional volunteers who can assist virtually and in person for disaster response. Volunteers are also needed to support blood drives and transport blood to hospitals.

Volunteers are also needed to help support blood drives by being a greeter and helping blood donors check in at local blood drives or to drive Red Cross vans to transport life-saving blood to local hospitals. To sign up for an upcoming virtual informational session, go to redcross.org/arcvolunteerfair.

A year ago, many things in the world paused due to the covid-19 pandemic. But the need for blood never stopped. Today blood donations are just as essential, and the American Red Cross urges individuals who are healthy to make an appointment to donate blood. More donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed now to ensure that patients have lifesaving blood products available for emergencies and everyday medical treatments.

March is Red Cross Month, and the Red Cross is celebrating blood, platelet and plasma donors for stepping up to meet the constant need for blood amid the pandemic. In thanks for being a vital part of the organization’s lifesaving mission, all who come to give March 15-26 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

The Red Cross is also testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for covid-19 antibodies. Covid-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

• Bentonville: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 15, McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 2201 S.E. Moberly Lane; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 18, Bentonville Plaza, 609 S.W. Eighth St.; noon-5 p.m. March 18, Walmart, 406 S. Walton Blvd.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 19, 5G Consulting, 1005 Beau Terre Drive

• Centerton: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 30, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 950 Seba Road

• Rogers: 1-6 p.m. March 17, Sunnyside Baptist Church, 210 E. Locust St.; noon-4 p.m. March 22, Walmart, 4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd.; noon-4 p.m. March 23 & 24, Center for Nonprofits, 1200 West Walnut

• Springdale: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 19, Knights of Columbus Hall, 267 N. Barrington Road

Information: (800) 7332767 or redcrossblood.org.