January is recognized every year as the National Blood Donor Month, and has been recognized as so since 1970. Although originally started by the Red Cross, National Blood Donor Month is celebrated by donation centers all across the nation. Blood donation is especially needed during the winter months due to an overall shortage, and a high demand caused by winter accidents.

Why Donate Blood? Blood Facts:

  • Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
  • Every day approximately 40,000 units of blood are used throughout the country.
  • One pint of donated blood can help up to three people.
  • Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients of all blood types and is most often requested by hospitals.
  • The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his/her body. Approximately 1 pint is given during a donation.

Different Types of Donations:

  • Whole Blood
  • Platelets
  • Double Red Cells

Where to Donate:

  • The most popular way to donate is through community blood drives.
  • Go to any of the four Indiana Blood Center locations in the area (listed below)

Indiana Blood Center Locations:

Sources:

www.redcrossblood.org

www.indianablood.org