The American Red Cross urges the public to join its lifesaving mission by giving blood and platelets this March in celebration of Red Cross Month.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.

Make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities are:

Weatherly: March 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Weatherly Area High School, 601 Sixth St.

Jim Thorpe: March 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mauch Chunk Rod and Gun Club Hall, Reservoir Road

East Stroudsburg: March 6, noon-5 p.m., Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono, 206 East Brown St.