The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April. Donating blood is a simple way for those who are short on time to make a life-changing difference.

Kay Whaley knows the impact of blood donations. When she was 9, she was in an accident and received many transfusions. That experience inspired her to become a blood donor.

“It takes about an hour of your time and could save the life of a friend, neighbor or even family member,” she said. “It doesn’t cost you anything and is the greatest gift you could give.”

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed to help meet patient needs this spring.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767. All those who come to donate from April 9 to May 13 will be entered to win one of three $1,000 gift cards to a national home improvement retailer, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Community members can donate blood by finding out when and where the American Red Cross will be in their area.

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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters, supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, teaches skills that save lives, provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 16-30

Berrien

Saint Joseph

9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on April 17 at Lake MI Catholic High School, 915 Pleasant

Stevensville

Noon to 5:45 p.m. on April 23 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church Stevensville, 2673 W. John Beers Road

Benton Harbor

10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on April 25 a Lake Michigan College, 2755 Napier Avenue

Three Oaks

Noon to 5:45 p.m. on April 27 at the American Legion Three Oaks, 200 W Linden St

Cass

Edwardsburg

Noon to 5:45 p.m. on April 16 at Our Lady of the Lake, 24832 US 12 East

Cassopolis

Noon to 5:45 p.m. on April 24 at Pleasant View Church of Christ, 60550 Crooked Creek Road

Van Buren

Gobles

9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20 at Gobles High School, 409 North State Street, Box 1

Mattawan

Noon to 5:45 p.m. on April 20 at St. John Bosco Parish, 23830 Front Avenue

Lawrence

9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on April 27 at Lawrence High School, 650 W. St. Joseph Street