The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to start a lifesaving habit by becoming a regular blood donor this year, starting with National Blood Donor Month in January.

January is a challenging time for blood donations. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and cold and flu season may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments. National Blood Donor Month, celebrated in January since 1970, raises awareness of the need for blood during the winter and throughout the year, while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities

Camarillo
1/20/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Ventura County Star, 550 Camarillo Center Dr
1/21/2015: 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Betty Plotkin Center, 836 Calle Plano
1/22/2015: 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Betty Plotkin Center, 836 Calle Plano
1/28/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Santa Cruz Village, 1 University Drive
1/29/2015: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Santa Cruz Village, 1 University Drive
1/30/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., YMCA, 3111 Village at the Park Dr

Oak Park
1/26/2015: 2 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Stevenson Fitness, 706 Lindero Canyon Rd

Simi Valley
1/17/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
1/18/2015: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., St Peter Claver, 2380 Stow Street
1/21/2015: 9:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive
1/23/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
1/30/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
1/21/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
1/26/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
1/20/2015: 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Ventura Cnty Deputy Sheriffs Assn, 981 South Victoria Ave
1/20/2015: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street

Westlake Village
1/22/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Farmers Insurance, 31051 Agoura Rd
1/29/2015: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Move Incorporated, 30700 Russel Ranch Rd

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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 of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.