American Red Cross says make New Year’s Resolution to give blood in January for National Blood Donor Month

Nashville, TN – This January, during National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months.

Karla Essmiller became a blood donor in college, but the importance of giving blood hit home when several family members had medical emergencies. “It only takes once sitting in a hospital, praying that your loved one will live through the day, to know how thankful you are for every single thing done to help them,” she said. “Donating blood is a simple gift that I can make that may help up to three people live another day. That makes me feel like a hero.”

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate January 1st-3rd, 2016, will get a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Byrd Health Clinic, 7973 Strike Boulevard Fort Campbell, KY 42223
January 8th, 2016: 10:00am – 3:00pm

University Heights Academy, 1300 Academy Drive Hopkinsville, KY 42240
January 4th, 2016: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1698 Canton Road Cadiz, KY   42211
January 5th, 2016: noon – 6:00pm

Powerhouse Gym, 275 Dickson Plaza Dickson, TN 37055
January 4th, 2016: 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian, 500 Hwy 70 East Dickson, TN 37055
January 14th, 2016: 12:30pm – 5:30pm

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
January 1st, 2016: 8:00am – noon

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
January 4th, 2016: 10:30am – 4:30pm

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
January 11th, 2016: 10:30am – 4:30pm

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.