By VINCE ROBINSON
American Red Cross

The American Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2015, beginning with National Blood Donor Month in January.

National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It has been observed during January since 1970, and that’s no coincidence. Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Unpredictable winter weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.

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

With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be constantly replenished to maintain an adequate supply for patients. Individuals who come out to give blood Thursday Jan. 1 through Sunday, Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Elkhart County

8 a.m. until noon Saturday, Jan. 3, at Harrison Christian School, 64784 CR 11, Goshen.
2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Benton Mennonite Church, 15350 CR 44, Goshen.
Noon until 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, 63846 CR 35, Goshen.

Kosciusko County

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Martin’s Supermarket, 1150 Husky Trail, Warsaw.
Noon until 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St, Syracuse.
8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Center Lake Pavilion, 117 Canal St., Warsaw.

LaGrange County

2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at Shore Mennonite Church, 7235 W. US 20, Shipshewana.

Marshall County

10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Indiana National Guard, 1220 W. Madison St., Plymouth.
Noon until 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Argos United Methodist Church, 540 N. Michigan St., Argos.
8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Triton High School, 300 Triton Dr., Bourbon.
11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at St. Isidore Hall, 803 W. Bike St., Bremen.
8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Culver High School, 701 School St., Culver.

St. Joseph County

1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Lincoln Township Community Building, 3098 S. 800 E., Walkerton.
9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Christ The King Lutheran, 17195 Cleveland Rd., South Bend.

The Goshen Donor Center

Located at 1123 S. Indiana Ave., Goshen. Open noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call (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.