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January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

January 6, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio – There is one New Year’s resolution you can fulfill in just about an hour of time: donate blood.

By giving blood through the American Red Cross, eligible donors can help save the lives of up to three people, and help offset the slump in blood collections that typically occurs post holidays.

“By giving blood, you’ll do something that really makes a difference,” says Rodney Wilson, spokesperson for the Central Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “What better New Year’s resolution can you make than to help save someone’s life?”

Wilson pointed out that the New Year is also a great time to resolve to donate blood since January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.

Nearly all blood transfused to hospital patients comes from volunteer blood donors. This year alone, as many as five million patients will require blood transfusions for medical treatments related to accidents, surgery and serious diseases like cancer or leukemia.

While the need for blood is constant, there is an even greater need during the winter when the blood supply can reach low levels. Winter weather can sometimes prevent donors from making or keeping appointments, which can contribute to a drop in blood donations.

Extra incentive to give: Those who come to give blood in January can enter to win weekly drawings for $100 gas cards or a $2,000 AAA vacation giveaway!

11/08AP983

Media contacts

Central Ohio
Blood Services

(614) 253-2740
1-800-338-8086

Rodney J. Wilson
Communications Manager
extension 2347
e-mail

Heather Reichle
Communications Specialist
extension 2275
e-mail

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