The American Red Cross is urging those eligible, to roll up a sleeve and give blood this January.
The Red Cross says blood donations typically drop off during and immediately after the winter holidays. That makes National Blood Donor Month in January a critical time for the organization.
Todd Kulman is Communications Manager with the Red Cross. He says challenges remain even after the holiday season.
"Once we get into January we start dealing with some of the influenza cases, which of course will keep many of our normal donors from donating until they feel better," Kulman said. "The Red Cross as an organization must collect about 14,000 blood donations every day to help ensure that the patients we serve get the blood they need."
Last year, nearly 64,000 fewer blood and platelet donations were given during the weeks between Thanksgiving and the first week of January.
Kulman says there are several ways those interested in giving can set up an appointment.
"They can go to RedCrossBlood.org, but we also have the Red Cross blood donor app. And it's a free download," said Kulman. "You can find blood donation opportunities using that app. You can schedule your blood drive appointment. You can track your lifetime donations with that app. A lot of other neat things as well. We like to say that it puts the power to save lives right in the palm of your hands."
Platelet donations are especially encouraged the first week of the new year, since it’s difficult to collect enough to meet patient needs.
