Blood donation opportunities in Southwest Georgia open through end of May

ALBANY — The need for blood supply remains constant, even while people are on summer vacations. In light of this, the American Red Cross is getting the word out to encourage eligible blood donors in Southwest Georgia to give to avoid shortages while many are too busy with seasonal activities to roll up their sleeves.

The Red Cross is asking eligible donors to help ensure blood is available for patients in need by giving blood in May before the busy summer season kicks in. Officials said blood and platelet donations often decrease when regular donors are vacationing and school is out of session.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients, officials said.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Southwest Georgia through the end of the month include:

— Monday, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center, 1515 Dawson Road;

— Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— Tuesday, noon-6 p.m., Tifton First United Methodist Church, 107 W. 12th St., Tifton;

— Wednesday, 3 p.m.- 7 p.m., Albany Masonic Temple, 941 18th Ave.;

— Thursday, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— Thursday, 2 p.m.- 7 p.m., Turner County Civic Center, 601 E. Madison St., Ashburn;

— Friday, 7 a.m.-noon, Government Center, 222 Pine Ave.;

— Friday, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— Friday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Tifton Mall, 458 N. Virginia Ave., Tifton;

— Saturday, 7:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— May 25, 7:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— May 26, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— May 27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Moultrie Technical College, Tifton Campus, 52 Tech Drive, Tifton;

— May 28, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— May 29, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center;

— May 29, 1 p.m.-6 p.m., True Vapor Inc., 621 N. Westover Blvd., Suite E;

— May 30, 7:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center.

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, 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, officials with the Red Cross say.

To make an appointment to give blood, or for more information on how to give, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).