During Trauma Awareness Month in May, the American Red Cross urges the public to donate blood to ensure hospitals are equipped with lifesaving transfusion products. Type O blood donors are particularly sought after for their versatility in emergency situations:

• Type O negative blood, known as the universal blood type, is crucial in emergencies where there's no time to determine a patient's blood type.
• Type O positive blood is the most frequently used type as it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
• Platelets play a vital role in clotting and are often required to manage massive bleeding.

Blood already stocked on shelves is vital for immediate response during crises. Appointments for donation can be scheduled through RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As an incentive, Sport Clips Haircuts offers a free haircut coupon via email to all donors from April 29 to May 31. In addition, those donating through May 19 stand a chance to win a trip for two to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway over Labor Day weekend. Additionally, they will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details on all offers are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

Blood donation opportunities in Baldwin County from May 9 to May 28 include:

Daphne:

• May 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tameron Honda Eastern Shore, 29732 Frederick Blvd.
• May 20, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., YMCA of South Alabama, 27080 Pollard Rd.

Foley:

• May 28, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, 1613 North McKenzie St.

Gulf Shores:

• May 15, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 8250 Roscoe Rd.

Orange Beach:

• May 9, Noon - 4 p.m., Orange Beach United Methodist Church, 28571 Canal Rd.

Silverhill:

• May 9, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Silverhill, 15879 Silverhill Ave.