National Blood Donor Month

The month of January has been dedicated to thank those who make a difference in their community by donating blood.  National Blood Donor Month is a time to show appreciation to volunteer blood donors and educate new donors about the importance of blood donation.   

Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days and must continually be replenished.  Every two seconds, someone in the United States has a need for blood. The American Red Cross relies on volunteer donors to ensure blood is available when patients need it.  A single blood donation could help save more than one life.

“National Blood Donor Month is a great opportunity for us to thank donors who help us maintain an adequate blood supply,” said Mario Sedlock, interim chief executive officer, American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region.  “We also want to encourage those who have never donated before to consider giving an hour of their time to help save lives.”

The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 120 hospitals. Approximately 1,200 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demands.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days.  Most healthy people who are 17 years of age and older, or 16 with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. Donors who are 18 years and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click here.