January is National Blood Donor Month
January 19, 2012Since 1970, January has been declared National Blood Donor Month, and with good reason. Above all other times of the year, it’s the month that presents the most challenges in recruiting people to give blood. This January is no exception with the local American Red Cross in an urgent need for donors.
Supply for blood after the holidays is critical. Saint Mary’s uses nearly 2,000 units of blood each year, with a demand for all types of blood. Common blood types, such as O positive are needed because there are so many patients with this type; less common types are needed as there are fewer donors to give; and O negative is in particular demand as this is considered a “universal” blood type – people of all blood types can receive O negative blood.
Blood donors who want to start their year off right by giving blood can stop by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center on Friday, January 27th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Café 2 and 3 of the hospital. Be sure to bring a picture ID.
Chef Cat Cora and the American Red Cross want you to warm your heart and donate blood this winter season. The American Red Cross will be giving away Cat Cora Soup Mugs and Recipe Cards for all donors. Go to http://www.saintmarysregional.com/arc/ or http://www.redcrossblood.org/promotions/SCDcatcora or call 968-2841 for more information.