The American Red Cross is pushing for an increase in the number of blood donors and one-time donations this month. They encourage eligible blood donors to ask a friend or family member to make an appointment to give blood with them. Or, those who are in health have the chance to give double the blood.

All blood types are needed, especially O negative, B negative and A negative. O negative is a universal blood type, which can be used by patients of any blood type. These donors can choose to give double the red blood cells during one appointment. They can donate double the red blood cells every 112 days or up to three times a year.

Those interested in donating blood can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or make an appointment on “www.redcrossblood.org”:www.redcrossblood.org. Individuals who are 17 years old and above, weighs at least 110 lbs and are generally healthy can be eligible to donate blood.

Donation opportunities are available from Oct. 16 through Oct. 31 at the following locations.

*CHAMPAIGN COUNTY*

10/21/2011, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm, University of Illinois YMCA, 1001 South Wright Street, Champaign

10/24/2011, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm, McKinley Foundation, 809 South Fifth Street, Champaign

10/25/2011, 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm, University of Illinois YMCA, 1001 South Wright Street, Champaign

10/28/2011, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm, University of Illinois YMCA, 1001 South Wright Street, Champaign

10/31/2011, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Wesley Church and Foundation, 1203 West Green Street, Urbana

*EDGAR COUNTY*

10/24/2011, 11:30 am- 5:30 pm, First Baptist Church, 201 South Central Avenue, Paris

*KANKAKEE COUNTY*

10/17/2011, 3:00 pm- 6:30 pm, Kankakee Blood Donation Center, 20 Heritage Drive, Bourbonnais

10/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Kankakee Blood Donation Center, 20 Heritage Drive, Bourbonnais

10/22/2011, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm, Leo Hassett Center, 211 North Main, Manteno

10/27/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Kankakee Blood Donation Center, 20 Heritage Drive, Bourbonnais

10/31/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Momence Fire Department, 15 N Pine, Momence

*LIVINGSTON COUNTY*

10/26/2011, 11:30 am- 5:30 pm, VFW, 531 Lincoln Avenue, Pontiac

10/26/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Walton Centre, 100 West Locust Street, Fairbury

10/31/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 114 Mazon Avenue, Dwight

*MCLEAN COUNTY*

10/17/2011, 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm, Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1 Westport Ct, Bloomington

10/22/2011, 7:30 am-11:30 am, Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1 Westport Ct, Bloomington

10/22/2011, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Historical Society Museum, 102 South West Street, Danvers

10/24/2011, 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm, Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1 Westport Ct, Bloomington

10/24/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St Patrick Church of Merna, 1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd., Bloomington

10/25/2011, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, First Christian Church, 401 West Jefferson, Bloomington

10/28/2011, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, Illinois State University Bowling & Billiards Center, 100 N. University St., Normal

10/29/2011, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, United Church of Heyworth, 302 East Main Street, Heyworth

10/29/2011, 7:30 am-11:30 am, Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1 Westport Ct, Bloomington

10/29/2011, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, St John’s Lutheran Church, 1617 E Emerson, Bloomington

10/31/2011, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, La Gondola Spaghetti House, 1501 East Vernon Avenue, Bloomington

10/31/2011, 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm, Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1 Westport Ct, Bloomington

10/31/2011, 8:30 am- 2:30 pm, Olympia High School, 7832 North 100 East Road, Stanford

10/31/2011, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center, 2200 East Washington St., Bloomington

10/31/2011, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, Illinois State University Redbird Arena, 700 W. College Ave., Normal