Red Cross to host blood drives

The American Red Cross will host several upcoming blood drives. February often brings unpredictable winter weather that can cause blood drive cancellations and make it difficult for donors to make it to their appointments safely.

Donors of all blood types, particularly type O blood donors that are the most needed blood group by hospitals, and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand.

All who give in February will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Those who donate this month will also automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater

Beach, Florida. Details are available at Redcrossblood. org/heart.

The upcoming blood drives include:

■ Feb. 6, 12 to 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 116 W. Court St. in Urbana.

■ Feb. 7, 12 to 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 Main N. in Bellefontaine.

■ Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 W. National Road in Springfield.

■ Feb. 13, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Evans-purk Building, 115 S. Church St. in St. Paris.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit Redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

The requirements are A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in; Be at least 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent), 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.