(Columbus, GA, Jan. 10, 2021) — January is National Blood Donor Month – resolve to be a regular blood donor and help save lives! The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade and is teaming up with WTVM-TV to host their third annual Blood Saves Lives Telethon on Jan. 12th to raise awareness and support.

“This year’s National Blood Donor Month comes as the nation’s blood supply has dipped to concerning levels that could force hospitals to delay essential blood and platelet transfusions,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, Medical Director for Georgia’s Red Cross. “We need blood donors of all blood types – particularly type O – to give blood or platelets now in order to meet daily hospital demand.”

How to Donate - Telethon Details

WTVM-TV invites potential donors to tune in on Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and make an appointment to donate critically needed blood by calling 706-494-5530 or by visiting https://www.wtvm.com/donate/ during the Blood Saves Lives Telethon.

Red Cross – NFL Promotion Open to Telethon Donors

Those who come to give blood in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

Every Two Seconds, Someone Needs Blood

Blood is needed every two seconds across the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness. Each year, the American Red Cross sees a decline in blood donation products following the holiday season. The winter months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelets to meet patient needs. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and illnesses like COVID-19 and seasonal flu can prevent some donors from making or keeping appointments to give.

Blood Donation Safety Precautions

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions 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 and are required to wear a face-covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. To protect the health
and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.

About Blood Donation

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna,  Pfizer or Johhnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.