This January, National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give now and help address a winter blood donation shortage.

The next American Red Cross bloodmobile visit to Hood River will be Jan 28, 12:30 to 6 p.m., at Oregon National Guard Armory, 12th and Belmont streets.

With the arrival of Labor Day and the unofficial end to summer, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to roll up a sleeve and give blood or platelets to help ensure sufficient supplies over the holiday weekend.