January is National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross needs donors. Blood supplies across the nation often dwindle during winter months because inclement weather makes it difficult for donors to get out and give. Although supplies dwindle, the need does not.
The Red Cross collects and processes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. On average, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
During National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross is encouraging all eligible blood and platelet donors to make a New Year’s resolution to help save lives by donating now and throughout the year. It’s a resolution that takes little time – about an hour – but has tremendous impact. Each appointment made and kept, and each unit of blood or platelets given, may offer hope to a patient in need.
Who Can Donate
Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in 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.
Your Chance To Help
The American Red Cross needs blood donors and you can do your part to keep its life-saving supply flowing.
The Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at Bethlehem Baptist Church located at 624 Hwy. 197 North in Clarkesville. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative blood.
To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
