The American Red Cross Needs Blood Donations

January is National Blood Donor Month and the American Red Cross would like to remind everyone of the special need for blood that the winter season brings.

According to the organization’s website, "Since 1970, January has been declared National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and with good reason. Above all other times of the year, it’s the month that presents the most challenges in recruiting people to give blood. This January is no exception with the local Red Cross in an urgent need for more donors.”

Changing weather, busy holiday schedules, increased cold and flu symptoms and even the winter blues can keep the most dedicated blood donors from making or keeping an appointment to give. Yet winter weather can lead to more traumatic injuries on icy roads and may increase the need for blood.

The local Red Cross needs about 650 blood donors every day to meet the needs of patients at 41 area hospitals. However, there has been a 10-percent dip in blood donations so far this winter. Recent blood drive cancellations due to weather also meant the Red Cross was not able to collect nearly 500 donations it had planned on for patients. And as the Red Cross is trying to recruit donors, a high number of people asked to give are reporting cold or flu symptoms, which make them not able to donate.

"There are so many unpredictable factors at play that can affect the blood supply during January; it’s a critical time to remind the public of the need for more donors," said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the American Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services Region. "If you are in good health, now is the time to share that good health with patients in need."

The dip in donations has also caused a decrease in the local blood inventory of key blood types including O-negative, A-negative and B-negative.

The Red Cross urges everyone to make donating blood a priority this winter. Your help could mean hope for those in need. To find out where you can give blood and to schedule your appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS, for additional information."

4. A number of blood drives are taking place this January in our area. To make an appointment to donate at one of these sites, call 800-RED-CROSS, or visit the Connecticut Red Cross chapter online.

Jan. 10, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - Eagleville Fire Department, Route 32, Storrs, CT

Jan. 12, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - St. Bernards Church, 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT, 06082

Jan. 12, 2012, 1:30-6:30 p.m. - North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St., Manchester, CT, 06040, sponsored by Vintage at the Grove

Jan. 13, 2012, 12:45-5:45 p.m. - Rockville Elks Lodge, 9 North Park St., Rockville, CT, 06066

Jan. 14, 2012, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Washington Masonic Lodge, 153 Broad St., Windsor, CT, 06095, breakfast will be cooked to order by the Masons

Jan. 17, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - Tolland Congregational Church, 45 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT, 06084

Jan. 17, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - Calvary Baptist Church, 470 Elm St., Windsor Locks, CT, 06096

Jan. 19, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - Enfield Square, 90 Elm St., Enfield, CT, 06082

Jan. 25, 2012, 12-5 p.m. - Price Chopper, 35 Talcottville Road, Vernon, CT, 06066

Jan. 25, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - Rockville General Hospital, 31 Union St., Vernon, CT, 06066

Jan. 26, 2012, 1-6 p.m. - Asnuntuck Community College, 170 Elm St., Enfield, CT, 06082

Jan. 26, 2012, 1:30-6:30 p.m. - North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St., Manchester, CT, 06040, sponsored by Lofts at the Mills

Jan. 30, 2012, 7:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. - Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes St., Manchester, CT, 06040, Log on to redcrossblood.org - Use Code MMH1

Jan. 31, 2012, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - Cardio Express, 200 Merrow Road, Tolland, CT, 06084

Jan. 31, 2012, 1:30-6:30 p.m. - Northeast School, 69 East St., Vernon, CT, 06066

To make a financial donation to the Red Cross, click this link.