January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when the American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the millions of dedicated blood and platelet donors across the United States for helping to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need both locally and across the country.
“Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “As the new year begins, it is the perfect time to honor donors for their commitment to helping save lives through the simple act of giving blood and platelets throughout the year.”
The Red Cross thanks all those who roll up a sleeve each year to help save lives because the stability of the nation’s blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. January can be a challenging month for blood and platelet donations because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses, yet the need for blood and platelets continues. It is important for eligible donors to make and keep appointments to help patients in need.
All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
- Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Stryker High School in the gymnasium, located at 400 S. Defiance St. in Stryker. Please call the high school office at (419) 682-4591 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at North Central High School in the gymnasium, located at 400 Baubice St. in Pioneer.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in Indiana and Ohio), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.