National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month, which is the perfect time to do your part to help those in need by simply donating some blood. National Blood Donor Month was started in 1970 as a way to bring attention to the need for blood and to help recognize those who help save lives by donating.
Blood supplies are typically low during the winter months, which is why National Blood Donor Month is held in January. Due to the holidays, traveling, and illnesses, many people who typically donate blood are not able to do so in the winter, which can severely hurt the blood supply.
You do not need a special reason to donate blood, and as long as you are a healthy adult, you can donate your blood. Type O negative is one of the most sought after bloods since it is a universal blood type and can be used to help anyone, no matter what their blood type is. O negative is the most commonly used blood type to help treat accident victims, which means it is usually the first to run low in blood banks. However, no matter what blood type you have, each time you donate, you have the chance to save up to three lives.
The actual donation process is very fast and easy, only taking around 10 minutes. After you donate you get to relax and enjoy something to drink and a tasty treat to help get your blood sugar levels back up. Also, after donating, you will be able to go back to your regular daily activities, just make sure to stay hydrated.
All of us at Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse would like to encourage you to do your part to save a life by donating blood this month.
