HERMISTON — With spring on the horizon, the American Red Cross is asking for help growing the available blood supply, according to a March 11 press release.

“People of all blood types — especially those with type O blood — are critical to ensuring hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions,” American Red Cross Communications Director Besty Roberston wrote.

There are two upcoming opportunities to donate blood in Hermiston. The Red Cross will hold a blood drive March 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Good Shepherd Medical Center, 610 N.W. 11th St., Hermiston. Another will be on April 2 from noon to 5 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 850 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston. 

Appointments can be booked via the Red Cross Blood Donor app, online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Anyone who gives blood before March 24 will receive a $10 electronic gift card to their pet supply merchant of choice and be entered into a giveaway for a $3,000 gift card. For more information go to RedCrossBlood.org/Pets.

Those who donate blood between March 25 and April 7 will receive an exclusive collaborative T-shirt between the Red Cross and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” while supplies last.