MILWAUKEE — With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential for hospital patients in need of transfusions. During National Volunteer Month this April, the American Red Cross is celebrating the blood, platelet and plasma donors who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and urging healthy individuals to join them in giving.

The Red Cross continues to urge healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give blood to ensure hospitals can meet patient needs. Schedule a donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a special thank-you, those who come to give by April 30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at rcblood.org/Gift.

Donation opportunities for Green County include:

Monroe: from 12 to 6 p.m. April 22 at Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave.

Albany: From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 10 at the Lions Building, 402 Cincinnati St. For an appointment call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code: Albany WI

Lafayette County opportunities include:

Blanchardville: 1 to 6 p.m. April 19 at the American Legion, 218 Mason

Argyle: 1 to 6 p.m. April 21 at Argyle High School, 14665 WI 78

Belmont: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 3 at Belmont Inn and Suites, 103 W. Moundview Ave.