The American Red Cross encourages the public to schedule their May donation appointment before summer gets into full swing. Year-end school ceremonies, sporting events and celebrations are expected to fill evenings and weekends, and patients are counting on donors to also make blood donation a priority. Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, without a moment’s notice. By giving blood to the Red Cross, donors can help ensure blood is ready for patients in the most critical situations. Give blood during Trauma Awareness Month this May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now. In Ark City, you can donate on May 9th, from noon until 6 p.m. at Central Christian Church. In Winfield, you can donate on May 8th from noon until 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. There’s also a blood drive in Winfield on May 22nd from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at William Newton Hospital, and on June 5th from noon until 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church. You can donate in Udall on June 5th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Udall High School.