Red Cross blood drives scheduled

The Red Cross is asking healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well. One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed this fall after hurricanes Michael and Florence forced the cancellation of about 200 blood drives, causing approximately 7,000 units of blood and platelets to go uncollected. Blood drives are scheduled in the following towns in November:

Litchfield: Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Friendship Baptist Church, 441 Torrington Road

New Hartford: Nov. 13, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., South End Volunteer Fire, 20 Antolini Road, Route 219 & 202

Norfolk: Nov. 9, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 4 North St. /Rt 44

Salisbury: Nov. 9, 1:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Salisbury School, 251 Canaan Road

Watertown: Nov. 12, 1:45 p.m. 6:45 p.m., Taft School, 110 Woodbury Road

Winsted: Nov. 6, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Winsted Area Ambulance Association, 655 Main St.

Woodbury: Nov. 3, 7:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m., Woodbury Senior Center, 265 Main St.