January is National Blood Donor Month
Red Cross Blood Drive at VA Montana.
January is National Blood Donor Month. During this time, The American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the millions of dedicated blood and platelet donors across the United States for helping to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need both locally and across the country.
Approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed every day in this country. The units of blood are needed to treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases. The month of January can be challenging for donations of blood and platelets due to weather and illnesses. The need for blood and platelets is still high. It is important for donors to continue to make time to donate blood and platelets.
It is important for all blood types to be donated, do there is an adequate blood supply. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative are especially encourage to give.
Donating blood is simple. Phone the Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. You will need a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification when checking in to donate. Donors need to be 17 years old, weigh at least 100 pounds and are in generally good health. In some states, people that are 16 years of age may donate blood with parental consent. For donors 18 years of age or younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Here at VA Montana, we have Blood Drives approximately every 6 weeks. Be sure to watch for the next blood drive and donate!
