(April 1, 2015) ?The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood.

Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.

Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Carroll County

Mount Carroll

4/17/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 216 S. Main Street

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Clinton County

Clinton

4/18/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Academy Grade School, 312 South 4th Street

Goose Lake

4/20/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Northeast High School, 3690 Hwy 136

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Henry County

Galva

4/24/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Black Hawk College - East, 26230 Black Hawk Road

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Lee County

Dixon

4/21/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First Street

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Mercer County

Aledo

4/21/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave.

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Scott County

Davenport

4/20/2015: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Christ's Family Church, 4601 Utica Ridge Road

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Whiteside County

Fulton

4/28/2015: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th Street

Rock Falls

4/22/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

4/29/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

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How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross

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 not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Nationwide "Fuel Your Community" campaign to help save lives

PEORIA, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2014) - During October, Suburban Propane is joining the American Red Cross to raise awareness of the constant need for blood and platelet donations with the first nationwide "Fuel Your Community" campaign. All presenting blood and platelet donors at Red Cross blood drives and donation centers during October will be eligible to win one $5,000 Visa gift card as part of the campaign, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

While the October "Fuel Your Community" campaign is the first nationwide effort, it's the sixth time Suburban Propane and the Red Cross have partnered to raise awareness since 2012. Most recently, in June, Suburban Propane helped to collect more than 750 blood donations as part of an 11-state partnership from Maine to South Carolina. During the October campaign, Suburban Propane will sponsor an advertising campaign to raise greater awareness for the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and its employees will volunteer at blood drives and give blood or platelets themselves.

"Suburban Propane chose to support the Red Cross because of the impact it makes in people's lives every day," said Mark Wienberg, Suburban's Chief Operating Officer. "Some of our employees have been directly affected by the need for donated blood and they inspire us to make a difference in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with the Red Cross in our first nationwide effort."

From Kristine Smith, a mother receiving blood after the birth of her son, to Janet Nitchman standing by her husband's side while he receives transfusions after a liver transplant, the Red Cross has touched the lives of many Suburban Propane employees. "I am appreciative of all blood donors out there, they really do save lives," said Smith.

"The support of Suburban Propane is welcomed and tremendously appreciated as the Red Cross aims to maintain sufficient blood supplies for hospital patients all year long," said Shelly Heiden CEO, Heart of America Blood Services Region. "We hope this campaign encourages more people to give the gift of life."

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For more information about the campaign, visit redcrossblood.org/suburbanpropane.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross

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 not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through more than 750 locations in 41 states.

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PEORIA, Ill. (May 15, 2014) –The American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to choose their day to help save lives by giving blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The occasion raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and thanks voluntary blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.

"World Blood Donor Day comes at a very important time each year," said Shelly Heiden, community CEO, Heart of America Blood Services Region. "Summer can be a challenging time for blood donations, with fewer donors available to donate blood due to busy summer schedules. World Blood Donor Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the need for blood during the summer months and year-round."

World Blood Donor Day occurs on day 21 of the Red Cross 100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope. campaign. Heiden added that it's a perfect time for donors to help save lives and boost the blood supply for patients in need.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County

June 4 from 12-6 p.m. at Wild Rose Casino & Resort, 777 Wild Rose Drive in Clinton, Iowa

June 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Alverno, 849 13th Ave. N in Clinton, Iowa

Henry County

June 11 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

June 12 from 2-6 p.m. at American Legion, 509 N. School St. in Atkinson, Ill.

Lee County

June 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL Route 2 in Dixon, Ill.

June 10 from 1-6 p.m. at St. Patricks Church, 612 Highland in Dixon, Ill.

Mercer County

June 2 from 3-6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 20th and Main St. in Keithsburg, Ill.

June 10 from 2-6 p.m. at New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4th and Walnut in New Windsor, Ill.

Rock Island County

June 4 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at American Red Cross, 1100 River Drive in Moline, Ill.

Whiteside County

June 4 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 5 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 6 from 12-3:30 p.m. at Coventry Living Center Activity Building, 612 W. St. Mary's Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 9 from 7-11 a.m. at Sterling Anchor Coupling Inc, 2910 W. Le Fevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.

June 10 from 1-6 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.

June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross

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 not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Advocate for the relief of human suffering

PEORIA, Ill. (April 15, 2014) – World Red Cross Day is a time to recognize worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, disaster, war or famine.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to support these humanitarian efforts by making an appointment to donate lifesaving blood this May. The need is constant, and all blood types are needed, especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative.

Each year, World Red Cross Day is celebrated on May 8, the birthday of Henry Dunant, who officially founded the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement nearly 100 years ago.

For more than 130 years, the Red Cross has been dedicated to helping people in communities large and small across the U.S. It is the only humanitarian services organization that provides blood services, serves as the emergency communication link between military personnel and their families, offers health and safety training and responds to disasters of all types and sizes.

Join the Red Cross family this month and make an appointment to give blood in honor of World Red Cross Day by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Henry County

May 1 from 12-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg., 302 N. State St. in Geneseo, Ill.

May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cambridge American Legion Post 417, 111 N. Prospect St. in Cambridge, Ill.

May 8 from 2-6 p.m. at St John's Vianney Church, 313 S. West St. in Cambridge, Ill.

May 14 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kewanee Royal Oaks Care Center, 605 E. Church St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Lee County

May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amboy High School, 11 E. Hawley St. in Amboy, Ill.

May 9 from 2-6 p.m. at Ashton-Franklin Center High School, 611 Western in Ashton, Ill.

May 12 from 12-6 p.m. at Dixon Fire Department, 210 S. Hennepin in Dixon, Ill.

Mercer County

May 12 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sherrard High School, 4701 176th in Sherrard, Ill.

May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aledo Genesis Medical Center, 409 North West 9th Ave. in Aledo, Ill.

Whiteside County

May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave in Rock Falls, Ill.

May 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Erie High School, 435 6th Ave. in Erie, Ill.

May 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fulton High School, 1207 12th St. in Fulton, Ill.

May 7 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

May 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Prophetstown High School, 310 Riverside in Prophetstown, Ill.

May 8 from 2-7 p.m. at Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave. in Tampico, Ill.

May 12 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Montmorency School, 9415 Hoover Road in Rock Falls, Ill.

May 13 from 1-6 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.

May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross

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 not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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