The American Red Cross is reminding people of the importance of donating blood during the month of January, which is National Blood Donor Month. The goal is to increase the number of blood and platelet donations over the winter, a time of year when severe weather can cause blood drives to be canceled and seasonal illnesses may keep regular donors from giving.
The Red Cross says it needs blood donations of all types to maintain supplies, but they encourage eligible donors with types O, B negative, and A negative blood to make a double red cell donation when it’s available. It’s a process which collects two units of red cells, while returning most of the plasma and platelets to the donor.
To find a blood drive near you and schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
