The American Red Cross encourages community members to make blood or platelet donation a part of their spring plans. Donated blood has a limited shelf life, so supplies must be constantly replenished. Donors can make an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting http://www.redcrossblood.org or calling 800-733-2767.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification. Individuals who are age 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors age 18 and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of donation from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass, follow the instructions at http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or use the American Red Cross Blood Donor app.