American Red Cross blood drives coming up this week

The American Red Cross is in need of donors to help hospital patients. All blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies, because plasma from whole blood donations that test positive may help coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.

Appointments should be scheduled and masks must be worn. Social distancing will be employed, and some sites will take temperatures.

Donors must be at least 17, or 16 with parental permission (forms for which are available on the website), must weigh more than 110 pounds, and must bring a photo ID.

Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed. Unless otherwise stated, go to redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 to make an appointment.

The Red Cross also is looking for blood drive hosts; check the website for more information.

A Power Red donation collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. These donors must meet specific eligibility requirements and have type A negative, B negative, or O blood.

Upcoming blood drives:

Dixon: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Best Corp., 816 W. Progress Drive; and 1-6 p.m. March 19, Dixon Hope Bible Fellowship, 732 Brinton Ave.; 12:30-5:30 p.m. March 30, Knights of Columbus Hall, 506 W. Third St.; 9 a.m-3 p.m. March 31, Sauk Valley Community College, 173 state Route 2.

Savanna: noon-6 p.m. Friday, Savanna Fire State, 333 Chicago Ave., no walk-ins, call 815-2753-7715

Rock Falls: 2-6 p.m. Monday, East Coloma Elementary School, 1602 Dixon Road.

Tampico: 1-6 p.m. March 11, Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln St.

Amboy: 1-6 p.m. March 31, Amboy Community Building, 280 Wasson Road.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 815-273-7715 or go to redcrossblood.org.