Give Blood - Save Lives
January is Blood Donor Awareness Month. With the start of the new year, communities across Maine and much of the Northeastern U.S. are once again experiencing a critical shortage of donated blood and platelets.
There are several reasons why blood shortages often occur in January:
Winter weather can disrupt donation planned blood drive events and donor availability
Decreased donation turnout due to holiday gatherings and festivities.
More people are traveling and spending time indoors, which often leads to an increase in injuries and illnesses requiring blood transfusions.
Blood can't be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, so a steady supply from donors is critical. Blood and platelet donors help save lives by providing a vital source of blood for those in need of transfusions, such as accident victims, surgeries, and patients with chronic illnesses.
The American Red Cross currently has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors. In less than one hour, an eligible individual can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives.