The American Red Cross needs people of all races and ethnicities to give blood to help ensure a blood supply as diverse as the patients who depend on it. All blood types are needed to ensure that the right blood product is available at the right time for all patients. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Below are some regional donating opportunities:

Woolwich: Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Woolwich Fire Department, 13 Nequasset Road

Brunswick: Sept. 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Bowdoin College, 8 Polar Loop, Morrell Lounge; Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brunswick Park & Rec, 220 Neptune Drive

Topsham: Sept. 17, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 202, 79 Foreside Road; Sept. 21, noon to 5 p.m., ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way; Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.