Start New Year With New Habit: Giving Lifesaving Blood

From the American Red Cross:

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: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Muslim Community Association, 3003 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara
• 1/16/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/17/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/19/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/2/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/20/2015: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Apostles Lutheran Church, 5828 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose
• 1/20/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/20/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Santa Clara University, Benson Hall, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
• 1/21/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/22/2015: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Santa Clara Valley Blind Center, Inc., 101 North Bascom Ave., San Jose
• 1/22/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/23/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, 710 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara
• 1/23/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/24/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/24/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Family Community Church, 478 Piercy Road, San Jose
• 1/26/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Alcatel-Lucent, 777 East Middlefield Road, Mountain View
• 1/26/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/27/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Clara Valley Water District, 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose
• 1/27/2015: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Art Institute of California-Sunnyvale, 1120 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale
• 1/27/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/27/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Kaiser Permanente, Medical Office Bldg. 275, 275 Hospital Parkway, San Jose
• 1/28/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/28/2015: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Legacy Transportation, 935 McLaughlin Ave., San Jose
• 1/29/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/30/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose
• 1/30/2015: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Calvary Church, 16330 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos
• 1/31/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunnyvale Senior Center, 550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale
• 1/31/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First St., San Jose

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.

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