Red Cross Celebrates National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
For the last 37 years, January has been set aside as the time of year to honor volunteer blood donors. During National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross would like to thank everyone who gives blood and helps patients in about 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
National Blood Donor Month not only honors those who give blood each year, but is also a time to educate and encourage new donors about the importance of giving blood. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and therefore constantly needs to be replenished. Donors can give every 56 days, or up to six times a year.
January is historically a time of year when the number of people giving blood drops dramatically. Bad weather and illness keep many from being able to donate. Yet, despite these and other factors, the need for blood donations continues. Donating is a great way to support the community, and helps to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients, sickle cell anemia treatments, or the many accidents and other illnesses which may require transfusions. This year, make a difference, and give blood.
In December, the Union County Chapter held 10 blood drives, including 2 in Anson County, which resulted in a combination of 232 units, 165 in Union County and 67 units in Anson County. We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and donors, and hope to increase these numbers in January. Below is a list of the upcoming blood drives in Union and Anson counties.
UNION COUNTY
Wednesday, January 9th – 10:30am to 3:00pm
Sponsored by: City of Monroe
Aquatic Center – 2325 Hanover - Monroe
Wednesday, January 9th – 2:30pm to 7:00pm
Sponsored by: Unionville Baptist Church
Unionville Community Building
1004 Unionville-Indian Trail Road - Monroe
Sunday, January 13th– 10:00am to 3:00pm
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
725 Deese Street – Monroe
Friday, January 18th – 3:00pm to 7:30pm
Union County Sheriff’s Department
Agricultural Center – 3230 Presson Road – Monroe
Saturday, January 26th – 10:00am to 2:30pm
Bonds Grove United Methodist Church
8215 Bonds Grove United Methodist Church – Waxhaw
Monday, January 28th – 4:00pm to 8:30pm
Zion United Methodist Church
1521 Old Fish Road – Monroe
ANSON COUNTY
Wednesday, January 23rd – 1:30pm to 6:00pm
Sponsored by: Wadesboro Community
First Presbyterian Church – 208 S. Green Street – Wadesboro
In general, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in general good health. This year, you can make a difference. All it takes is the willingness to help someone in need and a pint of your blood. On behalf of all of those who may need blood, we thank you.
For more information on the American Red Cross of Union County or donating blood, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.
