Red Cross Celebrates National Blood Donor Month

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MADISON, Wis. (Wednesday, January 2, 2008) – Throughout the month of January, the American Red Cross celebrates the contributions of thousands of volunteer blood donors across the country who give the gift of life with every blood donation.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated in an effort to educate Americans about the importance of regular blood donation and the impact it can have on patients in need. In celebration of National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross encourages people to add another New Year’s resolution to their list and become regular blood donors.

“We profoundly thank current blood donors and challenge others to consider donating blood too,” said Tony Procaccio, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region.

January is a time when blood supplies often fall to their lowest levels, as people are unable to make or keep donation appointments during the busy holiday season. Winter weather can also affect the ability of people to donate blood. At the same time, the need for blood remains constant. For many people, blood donations are a way to support their community. They can help to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients, sickle cell anemia treatments, or the many accidents and other illnesses which may require transfusions. This year, you can make a difference. All it takes is the willingness to help someone in need and a pint of your blood. On behalf of all of those who may need blood, we thank you.

If you are a regular blood donor, take this time to make your next appointment now. If you have never donated before, you can find more information and schedule your next appointment by visiting givebloodgivelife.org or calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800. 448.3543). 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. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 16 years old with a signed consent form in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

About the Red Cross
The Mid-America Division of the American Red Cross Blood Services supplies blood products to
nearly 250 hospitals in 10 states and across the nation. The Red Cross relies on the generosity of more than 370,000 volunteer blood donors, nearly 8,300 blood drive coordinators and more than 2,100 employees to collect the blood that helps save thousands of lives each year. The Mid-America Division is one of nine Red Cross Blood Services Divisions located throughout the United States. Together, these divisions collect nearly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.
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