The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood this fall, reminding potential donors that hospital patients depend on a steady supply of blood products regardless of the season.

In an Oct. 7 news release, the Red Cross called on donors of all blood types to schedule appointments throughout October to help maintain the blood supply and support patients who need transfusions.

Although October often falls between the severe weather of summer and winter, conditions can be unpredictable. Maintaining a stable blood supply allows blood products to be distributed wherever and whenever they are needed, including during natural disasters.

A single blood donation appointment can help provide hope and healing for patients in local communities and across the country, the organization said.

The Red Cross encourages donors to schedule an appointment and keep it on their calendars. Appointments can be made at www.RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Donors also can receive limited-time rewards for giving blood.

From Oct. 19 through Nov. 22, donors will receive up to $20 in gift cards. The offer includes a $10 Amazon gift card delivered by email and 500 bonus points redeemable for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards. Details are available at www.RedCrossBlood.org/Maze.

UPCOMING BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

The following blood drives are scheduled in Baldwin County from Oct. 7-31:

Foley

Oct. 23, noon-5 p.m., Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Ave.

Gulf Shores

Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, 309 E. 21st Ave.

Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Gulf Shores Middle School, 600 E. 15th Ave.

Magnolia Springs

Oct. 21, noon-4 p.m., Magnolia Springs Town Hall, 12233 Magnolia Springs Highway.

Orange Beach

Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orange Beach at The Wharf, 4673 Wharf Parkway West.