Winter weather conditions combined with an uptick in seasonal illnesses often makes it difficult for the American Red Cross and other blood collection organizations to maintain sufficient blood supply at this time of year.
That is one reason January is recognized as National Blood Donor Month.
The holiday was established by former President Richard Nixon in 1970 in order to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors and encourage others to donate.
Some upcoming blood drives in the area include one scheduled for Sunday, January 12th from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Culver Academies McMillen Athletic Center and another that will be held on Tuesday, January 14th from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox as well as a drive that will be held at Culver High School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 16th.
You can learn more about becoming a donor and find additional drives in the area by visiting redcrossblood.org.
