BOISE — This March, the American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made now through March 31 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma now through March 31 will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 9-31:

Bannock:Arimo

March 17: 1:30 to 6 p.m., Marsh Valley High School, 12655 S. Old Highway 91.

Lava Hot Springs

Thursday: 1 to 6 p.m., Lava Senior/Community Building, 150 N. Center St.

Pocatello

Friday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pocatello Idaho Stake, 655 S. Grant.

March 18: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Village, 345 N. 5th Ave.

March 24: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Gold’s Gym, 1800 Flandro Drive.

March 26: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fairfield Inn & Suites, 205 Via Venitio.

March 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Idaho State University Student Union Pond Building, 921 S. 8th Ave.

Bingham:Blackfoot

March 31: Noon to 4:30 p.m., One Beat Wellness, 30 West Bridge St.

Bonneville:Idaho Falls

Tuesday: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Club Apple, 2030 Jennie Lee Drive.

Tuesday: 1 to 6 p.m., The Waterfront at Snake River Landing, 1220 Event Center Drive.

Wednesday: Noon to 6 p.m., World Mission Society Church of God, 110 N. Holmes Ave.

March 18: Noon to 6 p.m., Coronado Stake, 2055 Coronado Ave.

March 20: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Idaho Falls Elks Lodge No. 1087, 640 E. Elva.

March 24: 2 to 6 p.m., Golds Gym, 2363 Eagle Drive.

March 25: 1 to 6 p.m., Valencia Building, 3101 Valencia Drive.

March 27: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Idaho Falls Idaho East Stake, 1860 Kearney St.

March 31: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Idaho Falls Public Library, 457 W Broadway St.

March 31: 12:30 to 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3195 S. Holmes Ave.

Caribou:Soda Springs

March 25: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Soda Springs LDS Stake Center, 290 S. 3rd W.

Custer:Mackay

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 531 W. Spruce St.

Franklin:Preston

March 19: Noon to 6 p.m., Preston Idaho East Stake Center, 310 N. State St.

Fremont:Ashton

March 17: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Fremont High School, 3581 E. 1300 N.

March 26: 1 to 6 p.m., Community Center, 925 Main St.

Madison:Rexburg

March 26: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Madison Memorial Hospital, 450 E. Main St.

Power:Rockland

Monday: 1 to 6 p.m., Rockland School, 321 E. Center

How to donate bloodSimply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.