SANDPOINT — Nonprofit blood donation organization Vitalant is hosting several upcoming blood drives to address an urgent need for more blood donors.

A special incentive is being offered to those who donate before Saturday, March 16 — an exclusive solar eclipse-themed T-shirt and free solar eclipse glasses. Additionally, through March 31, all donors will be automatically entered to win one of four $5,000 gift cards in the Celestial Giveaway.

“An adequate blood supply must be ready for patients every day before it’s needed,” Vitalant communications manager Vicki Wolfe said in an email. “Spring storms can cause blood drive cancellations and keep donors from coming out. Eligible donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to give to ensure the blood supply is sufficient before the unexpected occurs.”

Blood drives will be held in Sandpoint today from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Assembly of God Parkside Church and again Wednesday, March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Life Care Center of Sandpoint.

Multiple drives are also being held in Bonners Ferry in March. Find the Bloodmobile in town at Safeway on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 20, at the Bonners Ferry Woodland Mennonite Church from noon to 4:15 p.m.; and Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Mountain View Christian School.

Wolfe added that March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, a reminder that blood donations are needed not just for emergencies, but for patients with ongoing needs. The most common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease, affects the blood’s ability to clot and can cause excessive bleeding and pain.

Learn more about crucial blood donations and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 or locally at 530-243-0160.