ST. GEORGE — The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to donate blood this spring to ensure a sufficient supply for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country and to that end, blood drives have been scheduled in Washington, Iron and Kane counties through the end of the month.

Donated blood is perishable and must constantly be replenished to keep up with hospital patient need. Red blood cells are the blood component most frequently transfused by hospitals; red blood cells must be used within 42 days of donation.

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Debbie Cody-Nabors is a blood donor who gives double red cells. Her mother received transfusions twice a week during treatment for aplastic anemia.

“I donate blood as often as I can in memory of my mom,” Cody-Nabors said. “Please donate blood if you can to help save lives as you never know when you’ll be on the receiving end.”

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative.

Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

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

Washington County

• Hurricane
  • April 20, 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. | Hurricane High School, 345 W. 100 South
• Ivins
  • April 26, 1:30-7:30 p.m. | Old Ivins Chapel, 40 W. Center St.

• St. George
  • April 18, 12-6 p.m. | St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • April 19, 2-7 p.m. | St. George Red Cliffs Stake, 1285 North Bluff St.
  • April 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • April 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | St. George City Offices, 175 E. 200 North
  • April 25, 1-6 p.m. | St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
  • April 27, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gardner Student Center, 225 S. 700 East
  • April 28, 1-7 p.m. | St. George Utah Southgate Stake Center, 3519 Manzanita Road
  • April 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B

Iron County

• Cedar City
  • April 21, 1-7 p.m., Cedar City Utah Stake Center, 725 S. 1100 West
  • April 29, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Cedar City High School, 703 W. 600 South

Kane County

• Orderville
  • April 25, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kanab Stake, 115 N. Center Street

How to donate blood

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.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 (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 donors who are 18 and younger have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their predonation 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.

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 cruzrojaamericana.org or visit the organization on Twitter at @RedCross.