Blood donation remains essential amid COVID-19 pandemic

MANCHESTER — A year ago, many things in the world paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the need for blood never stopped. Today blood donations are just as essential, and the American Red Cross urges individuals who are healthy to make an appointment to donate blood.

For patients in the emergency room, fighting cancer or coping with a life-threatening illness, help can’t wait. Their health is reliant on the selfless generosity of blood donors. However, the blood supply continues to face challenges from the ongoing pandemic and extreme winter weather that impacted much of the U.S. last month.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 15-31

Belknap

Belmont

March 23: 1-6 p.m., St. Joseph Church, 96 Main Street

Laconia

March 24: 1-5:30 p.m., Leavitt Park House, 334 Elm St.

March 29: 1-5:30 p.m., Leavitt Park House, 334 Elm St.

Meredith

March 16: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Meredith Office Complex, 8 Maple St, Suite 1

March 30: 9 a.m -1:30 p.m., Meredith Office Complex, 8 Maple St., Suite 1

Tilton

March 20: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center: Building 3, 120 Laconia Road

March 31: 1-6 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center, 120 Laconia Road

Carroll

Moultonborough

March 26: 1-6 p.m., Moultonborough Lions Club, 139 Old Route 109A

Wolfeboro

March 31: 12-5 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 388 North Main St.

Grafton

Bristol

March 23: 12-5 p.m., Marian Center, 17 West Shore Rd.

Plymouth

March 31: 12 -5 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 354 Fairgrounds Rd