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Red Cross notes it still has urgent need for blood

The American Red Cross says it continues to have a need for blood donors of all blood types to give before the Labor Day holiday, even after many more donors stepped up to give following a call issued in late July.

Donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.

Blood donations often decline during the summer months, particularly around summer holidays.

To encourage donations over the Labor Day holiday weekend, all donors who come out to donate blood Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 will receive a Red Cross Mason jar tumbler, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

• Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 160, 1122 N. Main St., in Roanoke.

To donate blood, call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.