January is a month filled with new goals, resolutions, and hopeful beginnings.
It’s also National Blood Donor Month. January has been National Blood Donor Month since 1969.
People are encouraged to give at least three times a year, starting this month, and can do so by donating at their local blood donation center.
The month of January is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood to meet the needs of communities. Cold and snowy weather can lead to canceled blood drives, and donors often become too sick to donate due to cold and flu season.
Platelet donations of all types are needed, especially negative blood types.
“O negative is the blood type we want. Whenever there is an emergency or a traumatic situation, we don’t always have the time to type those patients,” says Jared Luent, Vitalant’s Marketing Communications Specialist.
Remember, there are basic requirements you must meet in order to give blood. You must be at least 16-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
