The American Red Cross encourages the public to schedule their May donation appointment before summer gets into full swing. Year-end school ceremonies, sporting events and celebrations are expected to fill evenings and weekends, and patients are counting on donors to also make blood donation a priority.

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, without a moment’s notice. By giving blood to the Red Cross, donors can help ensure blood is ready for patients in the most critical situations. Give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month this May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now:

– Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to any person, no matter their blood type. This makes it essential in the most dire situations.

– Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

– Platelets are often needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 7-20

Escanaba

May 13: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 600 S Lincoln Rd

May 21: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wellspring Church, 301 N Lincoln

Harris

5/14/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bark River High School, W471 US-41

Menominee

May 16: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bethel Lutheran Church, 1309 14th Ave

Wallace

May 6: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Gethsemane Lutheran Church, N6095 US Highway 41

How to donate blood 

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit?RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.