You should know

Red Cross planning April blood drives

The American Red Cross plans to conduct several blood drives in the area this month.

The first will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1 at Seymour High School, 1350 W. Second St.

Other blood drives are planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the National Guard Armory, 1925 First Ave., Freeman Field, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 10 at Austin High School, 401 S. U.S. 31.

All blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

The Red Cross salutes the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and encourages others to join their ranks as volunteer blood donors. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions.

To learn about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.