January is National Blood Donor Month

      

The Red Cross urges everyone to make donating blood a priority this winter. Your help could mean hope for those in need.  To find out where you can give blood and to schedule your appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS, for additional information.

REMINDER: JANUARY IS NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH!
The American Red Cross is encouraging residents to donate blood in January, which is National Blood Donor Month.

National Blood Donor Month has been observed since 1970 as a means to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Red Cross officials explain extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses typically have a significant impact on donor turnout.

In case you didn’t know how important blood donation is, check out these facts from redcrossblood.org:

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.
A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.
Sickle cell disease affects more than 70,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
More than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.







Many first-time donors come to their donation with a fear of needles but most find the donation process is easy and relatively painless. Here are some tips to help you make it through your first donation.

Focus on the lives you may be helping to save by donating blood. By giving a single pint of blood, you may help save as many as three lives. You will feel just a slight pinch, and it’s over in seconds. The difference you can make may last a lifetime.



Make yourself familiar with the blood donation process – this will help you feel prepared for each step. And feel free to ask questions if you want to learn more.


Distract yourself to help overcome your fear of needles

You don’t have to look at the donation procedure. Bring a music player with you, read a book, talk with our staff or just close your eyes and relax.


When you arrive for your blood donation, tell the person who greets you that you are afraid of needles. Our staff will be there to talk with you and assist you during your donation.



Many donors enjoy donating with a friend both for the moral support and for celebrating the good they’ve done together.


http://www.redcrossblood.org/news/centralohio/january-national-blood-donor-month-reason-urgent-need-donors-now