The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to start a lifesaving habit by becoming a regular blood donor this year, starting with National Blood Donor Month in January.
January is a challenging time for blood donations. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and cold and flu season may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments. National Blood Donor Month, celebrated in January since 1970, raises awareness of the need for blood during the winter and throughout the year, while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.
To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
| 1/16/2015: 2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., YMCA-Chester, 3011 W Hundred Road | Chester |
| 1/16/2015: 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Lexus of Richmond, 9703 Midlothian Turnpike | Richmond |
| 1/18/2015: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wright’s Chapel, 8063 Ladysmith Road | Ruther Glen |
| 1/20/2015: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bowling Green Baptist Church, N. 225 Main Street | Bowling Green |
| 1/20/2015: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tappahannock- Essex Volunteer Fire Department, 620 Airport Rd | Tappahannock |
| 1/20/2015: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., VCU Johnson Hall, 821 W Franklin Street | Richmond |
| 1/21/2015: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., In Honor of Travis Compher Blood Drive, 13325 Devils 3 Jump Rd | Milford |
| 1/24/2015: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Third Church, 600 Forest Avenue | Henrico |
| 1/25/2015: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., New Life Community Church, 509 East Main St | Louisa |
| 1/27/2015: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, 13710 St. Francis Blvd. | Midlothian |
| 1/27/2015: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 102 Lakeview Parkway | Locust Grove |
| 1/28/2015: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Mann Page Masonic Lodge No. 157, 9001 Boulevard Road | Providence Forge |
| 1/29/2015: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Lawrenceville Baptist Church, 304 Hicks Street | Lawrenceville |
| 1/29/2015: 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Louisa County High School, 757 Davis Highway | Mineral |
| 1/29/2015: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., VSU Foster Hall, College Ave | Virginia State University |
| 1/30/2015: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Trane, 10408 Lakeridge Parkway | Ashland |
| 1/30/2015: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Central High School, 131 Kenbridge-Victoria Road | Victoria |
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.
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.
