One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. At the same time, only about 3% of Americans give blood. The American Red Cross needs more people to make and keep appointments to give blood or platelets in February and has three great reasons to do so:

Help prevent a blood shortage: Winter brings seasonal illness and dangerous weather, which can hurt the blood supply. When donors give now, they can help ensure blood is on hospital shelves when it’s needed.

It’s National Heart Month: During a blood donation appointment, the Red Cross checks donors’ blood pressure and pulse, which are important indicators of heart health.

Treat yourself: All who come to give in February will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to donate this month will also automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.

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. Protect the blood supply from dropping – book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Herkimer County

• Dolgeville — Today (Thursday, Feb. 16) — 1 to 6 p.m., Dolgeville Fire Department, 20 S. Helmer Ave.;
• Herkimer — Today (Thursday, Feb. 16) — 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Herkimer College Alumni Hall, 100 Reservoir Road;
• Newport — Wednesday, Feb. 22, 1 to 6 p.m., Newport Fire Department, 7371 Main St.

Madison County

• Cazenovia — Thursday, Feb. 23, 1 to 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 27 Albany St.

Oneida County

• Barneveld — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1 to 6 p.m., CenterPoint Church, 8021 Route 12;
• Boonville — Friday, Feb. 17, 1 to 6 p.m., Harland J. Hennessey Veterans of Foreign Wars, 108 Park Ave.;
• Clinton — Friday, Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Clinton High School, 75 Chenango Ave.;
• Lee Center — Friday, Feb. 17, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Lee Center Community, 5808 Stokes Lee Center Road;
• Prospect — Thursday, Feb. 23, noon to 5 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 215 Church St.;
• Rome — Friday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 502 W. Chestnut St.; Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Floyd Ave.;
• Utica — Today (Thursday, Feb. 16) — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., MVCC, 1101 Sherman Dr.; Thursday, Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oneida County Office Building, 800 Park Ave.;
• Whitesboro — Thursday, Feb. 23, noon to 5 p.m., Cross-Point Church, 317 Oriskany Blvd.

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.