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The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

More than 3 million generous people donated blood through the Red Cross last year. The Red Cross salutes these volunteer blood donors who helped fulfill its lifesaving mission and invites others to roll up a sleeve and join them.

Kathy Huey became a donor after encouragement from her husband, who has given more than 11 gallons of blood. “I love the fact that I’m helping others by giving a little bit of my time,” she said. “It’s simple and easy and helps save lives – what could be better?”

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring.

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

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Fairfield

Bethel

4/8/2016: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Bethel High School, Whittlesley Ave.

Danbury

4/14/2016: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue

Darien

4/3/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tokeneke Elementary School, 7 Old Farm Road

Fairfield

4/11/2016: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University Student Center, North Benson Road

4/12/2016: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road

4/14/2016: 1:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue

4/14/2016: 9 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue

Old Greenwich

4/6/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Congregational Church, 108 Sound Beach Avenue

Shelton

4/8/2016: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Shelton Community Center, 41 Church Street

Stamford

4/13/2016: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., UCONN, One University Place

4/9/2016: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court

Stratford

4/7/2016: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 2252 Main Street

Trumbull

4/2/2016: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main Street

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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.