Special to The Hays Daily News

While autumn brings the promise of cooler days and longer nights, the American Red Cross reminds area residents that regardless of the season, blood is always needed.

Locally, donations can be made at the Hays Medical Center Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Center for Health Improvement.

Blood drives will be going on this week in Oberlin, Hill City, Stockon, Ellis and Russell. For more information on those and other blood drives coming this month, watch the calendar in The Hays Daily News or visit myTown at www.HDNews.net.

Blood must be on hospital shelves ready for an accident or trauma victim. It's also needed for patients at area hospitals with scheduled surgeries -- from heart surgery to joint replacements, organ transplants or premature babies -- cancer treatments and much more. The need for blood and platelets is ongoing.

Call (800) 448-3543 or visit bloodisneeded.org to make an appointment today. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply.

A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 in Kansas with completed Parental Consent Form).

New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit bloodisneeded.org to learn more.