According to the American Red Cross, the winter months are the most difficult months in which to collect blood donations; that’s why January has been designated as “National Blood Donor’s Month.”
The American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers and the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies are encouraging people to schedule an appointment to donate blood in 2023.
Emily Kuper is a public health nurse in Clear Creek County. She explained that the need for blood is constant and vital in the healthcare industry.
“Anyone can need blood at any time,” she said.
People need blood transfusions for a variety of medical conditions, including acute or chronic illnesses. Kuper said long-term illnesses like cancer or sickle cell disease can require frequent transfusions, and people in accidents needing surgery can require emergent transfusions.
Kuper also explained there are different types of blood donations, including whole blood, power red, platelet and plasma donations. Information on the different types of donations can be found on the American Red Cross’ website.
“Here is a New Year's resolution we should all make: become a regular blood donor in 2023, and start now as we mark National Blood Donor Month,” said Debra BenAvram, chief executive officer of AABB in a press release.
