The American Red Cross has scheduled blood drives at the following locations in the region throughout March:                                

* March 17, 1 to 6 p.m., Port Orford Christian Center, 936 Washington St.;        

* March 18, 1 to 6 p.m., Coquille Community Building, 115 N. Birch;                   

* March 19, 1 to 6 p.m., College Park Community Church, 2548 Newmark St., North Bend;  

* March 20, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Monica Catholic Church, 357 S. Sixth, Coos Bay;             

* March 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Powers Baptist Church, 990 First Ave.                         

Donors must be 17 years old or older, in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and wait at least 56 days between donations. Those planning to donate should start drinking water 48 hours in advance, sleep for at least eight hours the night before, eat a high protein, well-balanced meal at least two hours before donation and bring a picture identification or Red Cross donor card. Wearing clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow and avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for approximately five hours after donation is also advised.

The blood donation process takes about one hour and includes four steps: registration, mini-physical and health history, collection and refreshments.

Those interested can call (800) 448-3543, or 439-3685 in Powers, 751-4426 for BLM and (541) 247-6749 in Gold Beach, to schedule a donation appointment.