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

* April 7, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Maple Elementary School, 413 C St., Myrtle Point;                 

* April 8, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 355 Oregon Ave., Bandon;             

* April 9, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., College Park Community Church, 2548 Newmark St., North Bend;       

* April 10, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., St. Monica Catholic Church, 357 S. Sixth, Coos Bay;               

* April 21, noon to 5 p.m., Masonic Temple, 626 Winchester Ave., Reedsport;                           

* April 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bay Area Hospital’s Employee Hallway, 1775 Thompson Road, Coos Bay;

* April 23, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., College Park Community Church, 2548 Newmark St., North Bend;

* April 24, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., St. Monica Catholic Church, 357 S. Sixth, Coos Bay.

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 269-8085 for Bay Area Hospital, to schedule a donation appointment.