As fall officially begins, the American Red Cross is urging donors to help strengthen the nation’s blood supply with a lifesaving donation.

All blood types are needed, particularly O positive and B negative, the Red Cross said.

“Every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on critical transfusions, including car accident victims, those living with sickle cell disease and those facing cancer, get the care they need,” the organization said in a news release.

Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who give blood, platelets or plasma between now and Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Additional details are available at www.RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.

Upcoming blood drives in Baldwin County:

• Daphne: Oct. 7, 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave.
• Foley: Oct. 15, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Foley Community St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 400 N Alston St.
• Gulf Shores: Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Columbia Southern University, 21982 University Ln.

The Red Cross encourages community members to “fall into donating” and help maintain a stable blood supply during a season when donation levels often dip.