01/03/11 January is the perfect time to honor the people who help others through the simple act of giving blood.

Since 1970, January has been known as National Blood Donor Month. It’s a time when blood organizations like the American Red Cross pay tribute to the nearly 11 million people who give blood each year, and encourage others to start the New Year off right by coming to give the gift of life.

January is a challenging time for blood donation because cold and snowy weather and busy post-holiday schedules can make it difficult for blood donors to keep appointments. Regardless of the time of year, hospital patients nationwide need about 44,000 blood donations daily for cancer care, surgeries, and the treatment of serious diseases and trauma.

The Red Cross encourages donors to make and keep appointments, both for convenience and to reinforce the feeling of commitment. Community members can also contribute to the blood supply by organizing or volunteering at a blood drive, or by suggesting blood donation to their family and friends.

Come to donate from before Jan. 31 and be entered into a region-wide drawing for a $1,000 Visa gift card.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Thursday, Jan. 5, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in the Hall, located at 901 E. Jefferson St. in Plymouth. 
  • Wednesday, Jan. 11, from noon until 5:30 p.m. at Argos United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 540 N. Michigan St. in Argos. 
  • Thursday, Jan. 12, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Triton High School in the gymnasium, located at 300 Triton Drive in Bourbon.  Please call 342-2355 to schedule your blood donation appointment. 

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Indiana and Ohio), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.