PORTLAND — During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross reminds eligible blood donors that it doesn’t take a cape or superpowers to be a hero, according to a press release from the organization. By donating blood, donors can become a hero for patients in need, the Red Cross said.

Red Cross Month is dedicated to the everyday heroes who support the Red Cross mission by giving blood, volunteering their time, learning lifesaving skills or making a financial contribution, according to the release.

The need for blood is constant. The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes in communities across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors with all blood types are needed, particularly those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

Upcoming local area blood donation opportunities:

• Waterville — 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at Thomas College, 180 West River Road.

• South China — 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Road.

• Augusta — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, March 6, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, 35 Medical Center Parkway.

• Oakland — 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, March 6, at Messalonskee High School, 131 Messalonskee Drive.

• Gardiner — 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at Knights of Columbus, 109 Spring St.

• Augusta — 1-7 p.m., Monday, March 9, at Penney Memorial Church, 35 Grove St.

• Richmond —1:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at Richmond American Legion, 10 Carding Machine Road.

• Winthrop — 1-6 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at St. Francis Church, 130 Route 133.

• Augusta — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, March 13, at Augusta Downtown Alliance, Water Street; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, March 13, at Kaplan University Augusta, 14 Marketplace Drive.

• Waterville — 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, March 13, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, 149 North St.

To make a donation, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS ( 800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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, according to the release. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.