Red Cross will offer several blood donation opportunities this month

Several blood drives are scheduled in the area during February.

Type O-negative blood is especially needed. Type O-negative is the universal donor blood type and can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type, according to a news release from the American Red Cross.

Blood donation opportunities are as follows:

Bollinger County

* 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Marble Hill United Methodist Church, 300 E. Highway 34 in Marble Hill, Mo.

Cape Girardeau

* 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Metro Business College, 1732 N. Kingshighway.

* 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at SoutheastHEALTH, 1701 Lacey St.

* 2 to 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at Southeast Missouri State University Center, 1 University Plaza.

* 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 24, 25 and 26 at Southeast Missouri State University Center, 1 University Plaza.

* 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at MedAssets, 280 S. Mount Auburn Road.

Scott County

* 8:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 16 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 418 S. Third St. in Chaffee, Mo.

* 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at Missouri Delta Medical Center, 1008 N. Main St. in Sikeston, Mo.

Stoddard County

* Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 102 E. Castor St. in Dexter, Mo.

* 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at Advance High School, 201 E. School St. in Advance, Mo.

More information and appointment reservations are available by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org.

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 old, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood, according to the release.

nhadler@semissourian.com

388-3630

Pertinent address:

1701 Lacey St., Cape Girardeau, MO

1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO

1732 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO

300 E. Highway 34, Marble Hill, MO

280 S. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO

418 S. Third St., Chaffee, Mo.

1008 N. Main St., Sikeston, Mo.

102 E. Castor St., Dexter, Mo.

201 E. School St., Advance, Mo.