Help hope bloom in Spring: Give blood or platelets with Red Cross

In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood, volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood Program Leaders and Blood Donor Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come to give by April 12 will get an exclusive Red Cross x Life is Good® T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/LifeIsGood for details. All who come to give April 13-30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a choice of merchant. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities during April:

Point Lookout

4/16/2026: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., College of the Ozarks, 1 Opportunity Avenue

Branson

4/27/2026: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 420 West Main

4/29/2026: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hilton of Branson, 3 Branson Landing Blvd

Kimberling City

4/29/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church, 20 Kimberling Boulevard