American Red Cross celebrates National Blood Donor Month




January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when 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.

“Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” said Julia Wulf, CEO of the Red Cross Lewis and Clark Blood Services Region. “As the new year begins, it is the perfect time to honor donors for their commitment to helping save lives through the simple act of giving blood and platelets throughout the year.”

Justin Jensen, a blood drive organizer in Kalispell, knows that blood donations make the difference between life and death. The blood from many strangers has saved his. “To date, I’ve had about 55 transfusions,” Jensen said. Justin was just 15 when he became very ill. His diagnosis was aplastic anemia, an advanced form of anemia. He said his specialist gave him only a 28 percent chance of survival. “Basically, it’s a form of pre-leukemia,” he said. “I was in Seattle getting transfusions every three days.” He received blood, plasma, platelets and immunoglobulins.

Every blood donor’s story is unique. Justin’s story is just one example of why it is important to give the gift of life.

The Red Cross thanks all those who roll up a sleeve each year to help save lives because the stability of the nation’s blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. January can be a challenging month for blood and platelet donations because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses, yet the need for blood and platelets continues. It is important for eligible donors to make and keep appointments to help patients in need.

All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}

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