During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

“Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world,” officials said in a news release. “Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.”

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.

“Upcoming blood donation opportunities will be held in Dillwyn on March 3, 12-6 p.m. at Heritage Hall Nursing Home, 9 Brickyard Dr. and in Farmville at Centra Southside Community Hospital, 800 Oak St., Farmville on March 9, 12-6 p.m. or make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).”