January National Blood Donor Month

Last month we gave gifts of love many of which had monetary limits. This month you can offer your fellow man a great gift and it does not cost to give. Getting the word out, rolling your sleeve up and donating blood is the goal this month. January is National Blood Donor Month.  January often sees fewer donations of blood because of the holidays, people traveling, and the business of this time of year. The blood supply dips down but the need is still very much present and the level drops to critical.  Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Just 1/2 hour of time can make miracles happen. Look for community blood drives as well as the local bloodmobile.  Before giving blood there will be a few questions for you to answer. This will help to know if you are eligible to donate blood Certain illnesses or taking certain medications within certain time frame may eliminate you at the time from donating blood. Teens between the ages of 16 to 18 must be 130 lbs and also parental consent. Those over 18 must weigh more than 110 lbs in order to donate blood. Find out more information about donating blood at The Blood Center’s website lists all the requirements, and Red Cross also provides information about donating blood. Approximately 340,000 units of blood is needed each day in hospitals and Emergency rooms across the United States. This blood is needed to treat life threatening and chronic conditions.