Make Saving a Life your New Year’s Resolution: National Blood Donor Month

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News Director, Thomas McAllister

Thomas.McAllister@AlertIDinc.com

Make Saving a Life your New Year’s Resolution: National Blood Donor Month

 

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 5, 2015 – Have you ever wanted to be a hero or save a human life? Well millions of American’s are doing it every year by donating blood to organizations like the American Red Cross. Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed with the goal of increasing blood and platelet donations during the winter – one of the most difficult times to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs.

Blood donations are used to save millions of patient’s lives who suffer from conditions like; sickle cell, cancer, and car accident victims. Even though 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, less than 10% actually do each year. This January and throughout the year, The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors to resolve to give blood or platelets in 2015, beginning with National Blood Donor Month.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. Donors can also use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, which is free and available for download now. It can be found in app stores by searching for American Red Cross, visiting redcross.org/apps or redcrossblood.org/bloodapp, or by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 for a direct link to download. Message and data rates for texting may apply.

Tips before you donate:

  1. Stay hydrated: be sure to drink plenty of fluids on the day of your donation.
  2. Wear something comfortable: wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow
  3. Maintain healthy iron level before donating: if possible, include iron – rich foods in your diet especially in the week before your donation (http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/health-and-wellness/iron-rich-foods)
  4. Bring an ID: bring either your donor car, driver’s license or two other forms of identification
  5. Bring a friend: bring a long a friend so that you may both enjoy the benefits of giving blood
  6. Relax: blood donation is a simple and very safe procedure so there is nothing to worry about

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Sources:

http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood (American Red Cross)

Category : Public Safety
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