The American Red Cross encourages people to help meet the urgent need for blood by resolving to give blood this January — National Blood Donor Month.
The critical role of blood donors has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years during National Blood Donor Month, which coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients. Busy holiday schedules, extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout this time of year.
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood or platelets regularly, beginning in January. To encourage donations immediately, all those who come to donate by Jan. 6 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Another way to help keep the blood supply strong in the new year is to host a Red Cross blood drive. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 2-31:
• Kersey, 2 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8, Fox Township Senior Center, 365 Main St.
• Ridgway, from 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 9, St. Leo’s Church, 111 Depot St.
• Ridgway, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.
• St. Marys, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 9, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Weedville, 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 10, Weedville Wesleyan Church, 18945 Bennetts Valley Highway
• Bradford, 1 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Church of the Nazarene, 55 N. Bennett St.
• Coudersport,12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Coudersport Consistory, 111 E. 2nd St.
• Ulysses, 2 to 7 p.m. Jan. 18, Zion Christian, 835 State Route 49
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
