Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for blood never stopped, and the American Red Cross urges individuals who are healthy to make an appointment to donate blood.

The blood supply continues to face challenges from the ongoing pandemic and extreme winter weather that impacted much of the U.S. last month, the organization added.

More donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed now to ensure that patients have lifesaving blood products available for emergencies and everyday medical treatments. Schedule a blood donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the blood donor skill on any Alexa Echo device.

March is Red Cross Month, and the Red Cross is celebrating blood, platelet and plasma donors for stepping up to meet the constant need for blood amid the pandemic. In thanks for being a vital part of the organization’s life saving mission, all who come to give between March 15-26 will receive an exclusive Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last.

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include the Hollywood Pantages Theatre at 6233 Hollywood Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 15 and the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery at 455 N. Rexford Dr., Room 220, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 25.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, physical distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented. For information, visit redcrossblood.org,