With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, it also signals a challenging season for the American Red Cross in collecting blood.

It’s time to honor the heroes in our community!

The Red Cross of Virginia is deploying volunteers to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

ROANOKE, Va – The American Red Cross is asking for blood to help fulfill an increase in need caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Winter months and flu season are typically the busiest time of year for the organization and that need has on grown as the pandemic continues. There are several blood drives set to happen in our area in the coming weeks. Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Feb. 1-15)Bedford CountyBedford2/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bedford County Gym, 1059 Turning Point RdMoneta2/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., YMCA Smith Mountain Lake, 293 First Watch DriveBotetourt CountyDaleville2/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Botetourt Family YMCA, 115 Shenandoah AvenueFincastle2/2/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

ROANOKE, Va. – Donating blood to help patients battling COVID-19 is now easier than ever. The American Red Cross is now testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. If those people do have antibodies, then the Red Cross will test the blood a second time to see if there are enough antibodies to give to patients in the hospital fighting COVID-19. The Red Cross can take the plasma from that blood without needing donors to come back in and donate again. The Red Cross says blood donors save lives and now you can help save even more.