Spring may be near, but February often brings unpredictable winter weather that can cause blood drive cancellations and make it difficult for donors to make it to their appointments safely. As the American Red Cross continues to monitor seasonal challenges that could impact the blood supply, donors are urged to make and keep appointments to help prevent a shortage in the weeks to come.

Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand.

People can schedule a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. 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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities are:

Herkimer County

• Frankfort — Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1 to 6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars, 4274 Acme Road;
• Herkimer — Monday, Feb. 6, 1 to 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 127 Prospect St.;
• Little Falls — Monday, Feb. 6, noon to 5 p.m., Holy Family Parish, 763 E. Main St.; and
• Mohawk — Tuesday, Feb. 7, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 25, 43 W. Main St.

Madison County

• Canastota — Thursday, Feb. 9, 1 to 6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars, 3835 Canal Road;
• Cazenovia — Thursday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Cazenovia College, Hubbard Hall;
• Chittenango — Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1 to 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 118 Arch St.;
• Hamilton — Thursday, Feb. 2 (today), noon to 6 p.m., Colgate University, James C. Colgate Student Union-Student Activities Building, College Street;
• Morrisville — Friday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Morrisville State College, 105 Madison Road;
• Oneida — Friday, Feb. 10, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles St.

Oneida County

• Camden — Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1 to 6 p.m., St. John’s the Evangelist Church, 35 Third St.;
• New Hartford — Friday, Feb. 10, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., New Hartford Public Library, 2 Library Lane;
• Rome — Friday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 502 W. Chestnut St.;
• Utica — Tuesday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care, 1656 Champlin Ave.; Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Student Center, 100 Seymour Road; Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Utica University Student Activities, 1600 Burrstone Road;
• Westmoreland — Friday, Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Westmoreland Fire Department, 100 Station Road.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For information, go online to www.redcross.org.