HERMISTON, Ore.-January is National Blood Donor Month, a reminder of the opportunity everyone has to make the lifesaving decision to donate.
Blood Donor Month was established in 1970 to recognize those who donate blood to help save lives, and January was chosen because donations typically drop off during the winter due to travel, winter weather and seasonal illness.
“Genuine concern for his fellowman has always distinguished the American Citizen,” said President Richard Nixon, in proclaiming the first National Blood Donor Month in 1970. “No manifestation of this generosity of spirit is more expressive, and no gift more priceless in time of personal crisis, than the donation of one’s blood. The voluntary blood donor truly gives life itself.”
Since 2012, Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) has partnered with the American Red Cross to host community blood drives on the third Monday of each month in conference rooms 1 and 2 on the GSHCS campus at 610 NW 11th Street in Hermiston.
“Donating blood saves lives by providing critical support for patients who need transfusions for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illnesses,” said Jessica Reker, Director of Community Health and Outreach with GSHCS.
One of every seven people admitted to the hospital will need blood, however, donation rates have been declining for the past 20 years, according to the American Red Cross, making donations more important than ever.
“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion and one single donation has the potential to help three patients,” said Reker.
According to numbers from National Blood Donor Month, 6.8 million blood donors are needed annually in the U.S., and 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate.
The next American Red Cross Blood Drive at GSHCS is January 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome as space allows at the monthly GSHCS blood drives, that typically see between 40 and 50 regular donors, but appointments are encouraged and can be made online.
The American Red Cross is also partnering with the National Football League (NFL) to encourage donations this January.
Anyone who donates blood or platelets between January 1 and 25, will be automatically entered to win two tickets to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California on February 8.
“The start of the new year is a challenging time to collect blood, but it’s also an opportunity to build lifesaving habits,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Donor Services, American Red Cross. “Through our partnership with the NFL, we’re turning ordinary acts of generosity into what we hope is a powerful tradition — ensuring patients have the blood they need, whenever they need it.”
To find a blood drive near you download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
