The American Red Cross urges people to leave a lasting impact by giving blood or platelets now.

Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, are needed to keep the blood supply steady ahead of the holiday rush.

As we lean into fall activities, keeping blood and platelet donation appointments on the books is crucial to ensuring hospitals have the tools they need to care for patients this fall.

In thanks, all who come to give Oct. 19 to Nov. 22 will get up a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email and 500 bonus points, which can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards.

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 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.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a donation appointment.

Empower your health

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

To help empower and educate our blood donors in November, successful donations will once again get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. One result per calendar year; do not fast before donating.

Volunteer

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives.

For more information and to apply, contact Volunteer Services at 1-800-422-7677 or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Upcoming donation drives

CARBON COUNTY

• Nov. 12, noon-5 p.m.: Mahoning Fire Company No. 1, 2358 Mahoning Dr. West, Lehighton

LEHIGH COUNTY

• Nov. 10, 1-6 p.m.: American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, 3939 Broadway, Allentown

MONROE COUNTY

• Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Northampton Community College Pocono Hall, 2411 Route 715 and Warner Road, Tannersville

• Nov. 12, 1-6 p.m.: American Legion Post 927, 646 Fairground Road, Gilbert

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

• Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3771 Easton Ave., Bethlehem

• Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Univest Public Media Center, 839 Sesame St., Bethlehem

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

• Nov. 3, 1-6 p.m.: Pine Grove Ambulance, 46 Spruce St., Pine Grove

• Nov. 4, 1-5:30 p.m.: The Perla Building, 105 W. Broad St., Tamaqua

• Nov. 6, noon-5 p.m.: Auburn Ambulance Building, 131 S. Front St., Auburn

• Nov. 10, 1-5 p.m.: Good Intent Hose Co. #1, 12 Silverton Road, Llewellyn.