(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.