January is National Blood Donor Month and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will celebrate the everyday heroes who donate blood by collecting and sharing their stories to raise awareness about the importance of giving blood.

“The annual national observation honors the selfless act of donating blood and encourages first-time donors to give the gift of life in the new year,” stated LifeSouth in a press release.  

LifeSouth supplies blood to regional hospitals that include HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, UF Health Shands Hospital and the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center.

National Blood Donor Month was first celebrated in January 1970, after President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation establishing the observance. Blood donors play a huge role “in public health at a time when many blood centers around the nation experience a supply shortage,” stated LifeSouth.

All blood types are needed to ensure blood is available for patients in need across the local community.  

LifeSouth announced that all blood donors will receive a commemorative sweatshirt, platelet and double red cell donors receive a $40 e-gift card, while supplies last.

As a special benefit, LifeSouth is also offering complimentary A1c testing to all blood donors, giving donors the chance to learn if they may have pre-diabetes or diabetes, and more about their health. In addition to A1c testing, all blood donors receive a mini physical, including cholesterol screen, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin level and temperature.

LifeSouth encourages the community to participate in National Blood Donor Month in one of the following ways:

• Make a donation. It’s more important now than ever to make sure blood is available for patients. LifeSouth welcomes regular and first-time donors to visit one of its donor centers, or find one of its signature red, white and blue buses to donate at a mobile blood drive.
• Encourage a first-time donor. Few citizens participate annually in the blood donation process. The best way to make a difference is to encourage someone to donate with you at one of LifeSouth’s donor centers or blood drives.
• Host a blood drive. LifeSouth welcomes the support of businesses, organizations, churches, professional groups and neighborhoods looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community.
• Share your story. Personal stories often inspire others to save lives by donating to LifeSouth. Tag @LifeSouth in posts on Facebook, X or Instagram, and use the hashtag #NationalBloodDonorMonth.

For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, visit www.lifesouth.org or download the LifeSouth app. Appointments can also be made online.