The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.

Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative.

Blood is needed to respond to emergencies large and small, across the country every day.

For Heather Von Glahn, it was a personal emergency — her 8-year-old daughter’s leukemia dianosis — that inspired her to make the commitment to give blood regularly.

“I’ve seen blood save her life at least 10 times,” Von Glahn said in a press release. “When friends and family ask what they can do for my daughter, I tell them to donate blood. It matters so much!”

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross blood donor app, by visiting redcrossblood.org or bycalling 800-733-2767.

Upcoming blood drives:

Austin

•Feb. 1, 1-7 p.m., at the National Guard Armory, 800 21st St. NE

•Feb. 2, 12-6 p.m., at the National Guard Armory, 800 21st St. NE

•Feb. 3, 12-6 p.m., at the National Guard Armory, 800 21st St. NE

•Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Riverland Community College, 1900 NW Eighth Ave.

•Feb. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the YMCA, 704 First Drive NW

Grand Meadow

•Feb. 11, 1-7 p.m., at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church, 115 First St. NE