For those with certain illnesses and suffering from serious injuries, blood transfusions can be the difference between life and death.

Blood needed for such treatment often is in short supply, however. That is why the Community Blood Bank, the supplier of blood to area hospitals, and the American Red Cross, working with community organizations, often seek donations.

The American Red Cross has several blood drives scheduled, including from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 in the Jamestown Chapter’s blood donor room, 325 E. Fourth St., Jamestown; 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Cattaraugus-Little Valley High School theater, Carter Drive, Cattaraugus; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the basement of the Cattaraugus County Building, 303 Court St., Little Valley. The Community Blood Bank will host blood drives from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Westfield Memorial Hospital; noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at WCA Hospital; and 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Cherry Creek Fire Department.

Bad weather this year has made some blood drives less successful than had been hoped, making each of these upcoming blood drives even more important than normal.

Donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds; be in general good health and should eat well before giving blood. If you are eligible and able to donate blood, we encourage you to attend the event.

A few minutes of your time could save a life.