January is National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month and the American Red Cross wishes to thank the volunteer blood donors who generously roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life.

Blood transfusions are used for trauma victims—due to accidents and burns—heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, newborns and premature babies, complications during childbirth, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.

National Blood Donor Month serves as a reminder that the need for blood is constant.

“If everyone who is eligible to donate would do so on a regular basis (three to four times per year), blood needs could be met and shortages could become a thing of the past,” says CEO Steve Beeler, Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region.

The winter months are often a difficult time for blood donation.  Inclement weather and illness can force the cancellation of blood drives, negatively affecting the blood supply. 

The Tennessee Valley Region currently has less than a 24-hour supply of types O- and B- blood and less than a 6-hour supply of type AB- blood.

You can help celebrate National Blood Donor Month by scheduling your appointment to give blood.  For more information, or to find an American Red Cross blood drive or donation center near you, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

During January and February, everyone presenting to donate at a Red Cross blood drive will receive two great Sonic® coupons for one life-saving donation. Redeem your coupon at a participating Sonic® and enjoy a free medium cherry limeade, and then save your buy one, get one free Sonic® Burger coupon for another visit. 

If you are at least 17 years of age,* weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood.  There is no upper age limit for blood donation.  For more information or to find a blood drive near you, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).