National Blood Donor Month honors donors like Stephen Baird who recently donated his 130th unit of platelets with the help of Red Cross phlebotomist Jessica Konz. “It makes me feel good when I get the email that lets me know the hospital the platelets went to,” said Baird
January marks the 52nd anniversary of National Blood Donor Month – a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while celebrating the lifesaving impact of those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It is also a time to encourage new and lapsed donors to resolve to give blood during one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply – the winter months.
This year’s National Blood Donor Month comes as the nation’s blood supply has dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to delay essential blood and platelet transfusions. Blood donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most – are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet daily hospital demands.
In thanks for helping to meet the immediate need for blood and platelets, the Red Cross is teaming up with the NFL to offer one lucky winner a trip package for two to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Those who present to give blood, platelets or plasma January 1-31, 2022 will automatically be entered for a chance to win. As an extra thank you, those who come to give in January will also automatically be entered to win the Big Game at Home package which includes a home theater package. Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is
no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and
infection control. Additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff,
regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those
in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
