The flu isn’t just causing a lot of people to miss work and school – it also means they can’t keep their American Red Cross blood and platelet donation appointments. The Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.

In 2018, severe winter weather in the eastern part of the United States forced about 600 blood drives to cancel, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. And, widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives.

Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatments. Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.

The American Red Cross is urging individuals to make an appointment to donate blood this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Turlock Blood Donation Center, located at 655 E. Hawkeye Ave., will be open for business:

·         - Feb. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

·         - Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

·        -  Feb. 19 and 20, from noon to 6 p.m.

·         - Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·        -  Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·        -  Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

·        -  Feb. 27 and 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.