January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross and Blood Banks of America encourage everyone who can donate blood to do so, especially now during the month of January.
It's the time of year when blood supplies are running low, due to recent holiday schedules, winter weather and cold and flu season keeping dedicated donors from giving.
Over the last two decades, blood donation rates have declined — which means even small disruptions can have a big impact on the ability to meet patient needs.
According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion, and blood comes only from volunteer donors.
“National Blood Donor Month is an important reminder that blood donations are essential year-round, and we encourage our community to give the gift of life,” Ken Versteeg of the Community Blood Bank, the sole blood provider for Sanford Luverne.
“The demand for blood in the area continues to grow as we experience the Baby Boomer’s aging and requiring additional medical services.”
Millions of people, including cancer patients, organ recipients and victims of accidents, rely on blood donations from ordinary people who take time out of their busy schedules to participate in local blood drives.
National Blood Donor Month is a chance to thank those who roll up their sleeves to give blood and platelets to support hospital patients in need.
All blood types are needed, but donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.
Donating is safer and easier to do than ever before. The Community Blood Bank just hosted a drive in Luverne on Monday (see the Heroes Behind the Badges writeup on Page 6A), but opportunities come around frequently.
Watch the Star Herald and Announcer free community calendar listings for local blood drives or look up future drives to get them on your calendar.
To give through the American Red Cross, download the “Blood Donor” app or call 800-733-2767.
To donate through the Community Blood Bank, go to cbblifeblood.org or call 605-331-3222.
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
