GREEN/LAFAYETTE COUNTIES — The American Red Cross has extended its urgent call for donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets. 

With influenza escalating across the country and preventing some donors from giving, and winter weather threatening to cancel blood drives, the Red Cross now has a critical shortage of type O blood and urgently needs donors to restock the shelves.

Local blood donation opportunities include:

Brodhead: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 5 at Brodhead High School, 2501 5th Ave. W. 

Juda: 1 to 6 p.m., Jan. 28 at Juda High School, N2385 Spring St.

Monroe: 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Jan. 27 at the United Methodist Church, 2227 4th St.

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 15 at Crossroads Community Church, 222 Old Argyle Rd.

12:30 to 6 p.m., Feb. 20 at Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave.

Argyle: 1 to 6 p.m., Feb. 5 at Argyle High School, 14665 WI 78.

Belmont: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Feb. 17 at the Grade School, 646 E Liberty.

Blanchardville: 1 to 6 p.m., Feb. 17 at the American Legion, 218 Mason.