J.C. Derrick
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is marking National Blood Donor Month in January with $20 gift cards to help shore up low blood supplies at local hospitals.
“The annual observation honors the selfless blood donors and encourages first-time donors to give the gift of life in the new year,” a LifeSouth press release said. “This year’s celebration is especially important, as blood donors are needed to help offset blood shortages impacting the local community.”
All January donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, and those who make a double red cell donation or a platelet donation will receive an additional $20 e-gift card.
Blood donations to LifeSouth go directly to help patients at local hospitals.
“Blood transfusions are needed every day to help patients suffering from traumas, blood loss during childbirth, cancer, blood disorders and surgeries,” the release said.
Laura Bialeck, LifeSouth’s Gainesville-based district community development coordinator, told Mainstreet O-type blood, particularly O negative, is most needed right now. She provided the following backorder list as of Monday morning:
35 O+
51 O-
7 B-
28 B+
8 A-
“As the community blood center supplying the local hospitals, it is our mission to keep the local blood supply at a safe level,” Bialeck wrote in an email.
President Richard Nixon established National Blood Donor Month in 1970 when he issued a proclamation establishing the observance.
“Genuine concern for his fellowman has always distinguished the American citizen,” Nixon said in the proclamation. “The voluntary blood donor truly gives life iteself.”
Now in its 53rd year, the annual observance helps raise awareness about the role blood donors play in public health—when many blood centers are experiencing shortages.
LifeSouth encourages local residents to participate in National Blood Donor Month in one of four ways:
- Make a donation
- Encourage a first-time donor
- Host a blood drive
- Share your story on social media using the hashtag #NationalBloodDonorMonth
For information about donating blood, call LifeSouth at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.