My Town: Become a hero by giving blood during Red Cross Month | Community Spirit

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross reminds eligible blood donors that it doesn’t take a cape or super powers to be a hero. By donating blood, donors can become a hero for patients in need.

Red Cross Month is dedicated to the everyday heroes who support the Red Cross mission by giving blood, volunteering their time, learning lifesaving skills or making a financial contribution.

The need for blood is constant. The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes in communities across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors with all blood types are needed, particularly those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Allegan

• 3/11/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Allegan General Hospital, 555 Linn Street

Douglas

• 3/10/2015: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Grace of Douglas, 243 Wiley Rd

Hopkins

• 3/3/2015: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Hopkins High School, 333 S Clark St

Otsego

• 3/3/2015: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., American Legion, 410 E Orleans

Byron Center

• 3/9/2015: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Zion Christian School, 7555 Byron Center Ave

Grandville

• 3/13/2015: 1 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Hanley Christian Reformed Church, O-372 Jackson St

Grand Haven

• 3/2/2015: 1 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Hope Reformed Church, 14932 Mercury Drive
• 3/13/2015: 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., North Ottawa Community Hospital, 1309 Sheldon Road

Holland

• 3/3/2015: 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., USF Holland, 700 Waverly Ave
• 3/4/2015: 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Herrick District Library, 300 South River Ave
• 3/6/2015: 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Intersection Ministries, 945 136th Avenue

Hudsonville

• 3/13/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church, 3617 Hillcrest Road

Spring Lake

• 3/5/2015: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., First Baptist Church  Of Spring Lake, 118 E. Exchange Street

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.