Submitted article

The American Red Cross encourages the public to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February.

Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.

All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Crawford County:

  • 3 at Amvets Post 27, 235 E. Galen St., Bucyrus from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • 10 at Crestline High School, 7854 Oldfield Rd., Crestline from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • 10 at Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way N, Galion from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • 16 at Bucyrus Public Library, 200 E. Mansfield St., Bucyrus from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • 16 at Knight s of Columbus Hall, 110 South Kibler St., New Washington from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • 27 at Bucyrus Community Hospital, 629 N. Sandusky St., Bucyrus from noon – 5 p.m.
  • March 3 at Amvets Post 27, 235 E. Galen St., Bucyrus from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • March 3 at Community Christian Church, 6195 State Route 19, Galion from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • March 4 at Colonel Crawford High School, 2303 State Route 602, North Robinson from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • March 4 at First Alliance Christian Missionary Church, 1955 Hopley Ave., Bucyrus from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • March 6 at Galion High School, 472 Portland Way N, Galion from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.