The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood and ensure a diverse blood supply is available for patients. With seasonal flu and inclement winter weather in many parts of the country preventing regular donors from giving, it is particularly important that healthy, eligible donors make an appointment to donate blood.

All blood types are currently needed to help maintain a diverse and sufficient blood supply, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Upcoming area blood donation opportunities:

• University of Maine, 246 Main St., Farmington, noon-5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3.

• Central Maine Motors Toyota Waterville, 15 Airport Road, Waterville, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3.

• University of Maine, 246 Main Street, Farmington, noon-5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4.

• University of Maine, 46 University Drive, Augusta, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5.

• Maine General Medical Center, 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6.

• Waterville Elks, 76 Industrial Road, Waterville, noon-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6.

• American Legion, 184 Congress St., Rumford, noon-6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11.

• Christ Episcopal Church Gardiner, 2 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14.

• Lawrence High School, 9 School St., Fairfield, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14.