(Photo Illustration/MetroCreative)

PARKERSBURG – A critical need continues to keep the blood supply stable going into fall, the American Red Cross said on Monday.

Donors of all types of blood, particularly type O, are needed, according to Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, said.

“As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice,” she said.

Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.

Also, those who donate from Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email and be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For more information, go to RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

Three of 100 Americans donate blood, the Red Cross said. With the blood supply remaining at critical, each donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need.

To make an appointment to donate blood, go to RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 in most states, 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete a pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Another way to support the mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.