Make a positive impact: Give blood with the Red Cross

As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions.

During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Help can't wait – to book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thank-you, all who come to give by March 24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Pets for details.

Additionally, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and to invite donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by giving March 25-April 7, they'll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. © 2024 Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., Ltd. Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 11-31:

BOZEMAN:

• March 15: 10 AM - 3 PM, Redeemer Church, 1701 S. 19th Ave.

• March 27: 10 AM - 3 PM, Gallatin Empire Lions Club at American Red Cross Bozeman Blood Donor Center, 221 E. Oak St., Suites 1F and 1G.

• March 28: 10 AM - 4:15 PM, Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

MANHATTAN:

• March 25: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Manhattan Senior Center, 102 E. Main.

THREE FORKS:

• March 19: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Three Forks High School, 212 E. Neal.

GARDINER:

• March 29: 12 PM - 5 PM, Yellowstone Forever Building Community, 308 Park St.

LIVINGSTON:

• March 26: 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM, American Legion Post 23, 112 N. B St.

DEER LODGE:

• March 14: 1 PM - 6:15 PM, Deer Lodge Community Blood Drive at Deer Lodge Medical Center, 1100 Hollenback Lane.

BUTTE:

• March 20: 10 AM - 3:30 PM, Montana Tech - HPER Building, 1300 W. Park St.

• March 21: 10 AM - 3:30 PM, Montana Tech - HPER Building, 1300 W. Park St.

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.

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.

Amplify your impact − volunteer! Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.