A Red Cross blood collector preparing a donor to give blood. Chenango County residents have several opportunities to give blood this fall, which can help save lives and treat patients. (Photo from the American Red Cross Blood Donors Facebook page)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The American Red Cross is facing a critical need for blood donors, and there are several opportunities for individuals of all blood types to give blood this fall.

Donors have the option of giving whole blood or Power Red donations. Whole blood donations are the most flexible and are ideal for all blood types.

According to the American Red Cross, whole blood "can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets."

Power Red donations involve giving a concentrated dose of red blood cells, which is ideal for O positive, O negative, A negative, and B negative blood types.

Donating blood can be used to help a wide variety of patients, including trauma patients, anyone suffering blood loss, individuals with sickle cell anemia, people undergoing surgery, individuals with chronic diseases, and to newborns and mothers needing emergency transfusions during birth.

Blood donations are quick and easy, usually taking about an hour. Donors will check in and receive a medical screening before donating approximately one pint of blood. The donation process for whole blood takes about 8 to 10 minutes, while Power Red donations take about 45 minutes.

After donating, Red Cross staff will provide post-donation instructions. Donors will also receive a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area provided, and can leave and continue their day normally after about 15 minutes.

To make the donation process even faster, individual should schedule an appointment before the day of the blood drive, or download the Blood Donor app on Google Play or the Apple App Store and set up RapidPass.

The Red Cross said there are some common concerns among potential donors, such as a fear of needles, uncertainty about eligibility, concerns about fainting, and worry about not having the right blood type.

The organization encourages individuals to face their fears, as blood donations can be potentially life saving.

"Fear of needles certainly prevents some people from donating blood," states the Red Cross. "But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes facing your fears (donating really can be that fast) you may find that the satisfaction you feel makes it worth it."

Those afraid of fainting shouldn't worry: the Red Cross says donors feeling faint or fatigued after giving blood are welcome to lie down until they feel better.

Additionally, most people are eligible to give blood in some form. The basic requirements for most donations are being in good health, being 17 years old or older, and weighing at least 110 pounds. For more information on eligibility criteria, visit RedCrossBlood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html.

Lastly, individuals shouldn't worry about not having the right type of blood. According to the Red Cross, "Perhaps you've heard an appeal for donors that says we're running low on certain blood types. That doesn't mean other types aren't valuable: there's always a need and purpose for every type of blood ... All blood types are valuable and can help save lives."

Blood donors who give blood this fall are also eligible to receive a $10 Amazon gift card if they donate between September 22 and October 19. Restrictions apply; visit Amazon.com/gc-legal for details.

Consider helping to save lives this fall by donating blood at one of the several available Red Cross blood drives.

Upcoming Chenango County blood drives:

Thursday, October 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne Fire Department, located at 15 West State Street in Sherburne.

Friday, October 17 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, located at 74 North Broad Street in Norwich.

Tuesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Roger W. Follett Hall at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus, located at 20 Conkey Avenue in Norwich.

Wednesday, November 5 from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Sherburne-Earlville High School, located at 13 School Street in Sherburne.

Saturday, November 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 376, located at 17 South Washington Street in Oxford.

Monday, November 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chenango Memorial Hospital, located at 179 North Broad Street in Norwich.

Thursday, November 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the NYS Veterans Home at Oxford, located at 4209 NY-220 in Oxford.

Tuesday, November 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Norwich VFW Post 2782, located at 61 East Main Street in Norwich.

Monday, December 8 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, located at Marion Avenue/State Highway 51 in Gilbertsville.

Thursday, December 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Guernsey Memorial Library, located at 3 Court Street in Norwich.

Tuesday, December 30 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne Fire Department, located at 15 West State Street in Sherburne.