As the season of giving comes to a close, we often get back into the swing of things without thinking that help is still needed in a big way. When it comes to giving blood, donations typically drop at the start of a new year, hence why January is National Blood Donor Month. “Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and there is no artificial substitute—only another person can give this gift,” explains BloodSource Communications Manager Vicki Wolfe. “Blood is a perishable product with a shelf life of only 42 days, so the blood supply must constantly be replenished to help meet the needs of patients,” adds Christine Welch, communications manager for American Red Cross California Blood Services Region. Marshall Medical Center Marketing and Communications Specialist Mark DeVaughn explains that “you can donate blood, or choose to donate blood components: plasma (which suspends cells within the bloodstream), red blood cells (which transport oxygen throughout the body), and platelets (which prevent and/or stop bleeding and is essential for trauma victims).” For those unable to donate, there’s still ways to help. According to Wolfe, “People can volunteer with BloodSource, be ambassadors for a safe and plentiful blood supply, or accompany friends and family members to a donor center.” Welch also encourages individuals to set up a “SleevesUp” virtual blood drive (redcrossblood.org/sleevesup) through the American Red Cross where you can invite friends and family to donate and set collection goals in your name or the name of a loved one. 

By Emily Peter