The American Red Cross encourages people to give blood this January – National Blood Donor Month. The Red Cross states that January is one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients, because busy holiday schedules, extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout this time of year.

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood or platelets regularly, beginning in January. To encourage donations immediately, all those who come to donate by Jan. 6 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

All donors who give blood or platelets during National Blood Donor Month in January at Red Cross blood drives will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Gift Card via email.

Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood drives will be held at the following:

Durham: Jan. 24, 2-7 p.m., AmVets Post #13, 1049 Rt 136, Royalsborough Road.

Brunswick: Jan. 30 2:30-7:30 p.m., Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive.

Freeport: Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wilburs of Maine Freeport, 174 Lower Maine St.; Jan. 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., L.L. Bean Retail Store Freeport, 95 Main St.

Harpswell: Jan. 21, noon to 5 p.m., Elijah Kellogg Church, 917 Harpswell Neck Road.

Bath: Jan. 8, noon to 5 p.m., YMCA, 303 Centre St.; Jan. 23, 1-6 p.m., West Bath Fire Dept, 192 State Road.

Bowdoin: Jan. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., FHC Inc., 1201 Main St.

Topsham: Jan. 14, 1-6 p.m. ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way; Jan. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Smitty’s Cinema, 65 Topsham Fair Road.

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