The holidays are a season of gifts and cheer and after all the festivities are over we stand before a new year and another chance to make choices that count. Why not give back this year by participating in National Blood Donor Month?
Since 1970, January has been the month when organizations such as the American Red Cross and Carter BloodCare recognize those who donate blood for people in need. It may seem like one person’s gift won’t help much, but every ounce counts.
Approximately 44,000 pints of blood are needed daily for accident victims, cancer patients, surgical candidates, children with blood disorders and countless others. Additionally, many lifesaving medical procedures require blood transfusions to be successful.
Not only can your donation directly save lives, but organizations can also use it in research and testing to protect the blood supply and fight deadly viruses such as HIV, West Nile virus, hepatitis B and C and Chagas disease.
Blood is more important than many realize. Giving some of yours is one of the most effective ways to help the community. A single donation can save the lives of up to three people and a special reason to give is not needed. Donors are ordinary people who decide to do something extraordinary.
There are other ways to help as well. Donating centers are always in need of volunteers, and you can even host a blood drive through your church or other organization. Perhaps easiest of all is telling your friends about the critical need for blood.
Anyone who wants to lend a helping hand can head over to the Carter BloodCare Garland location at 6850 North Shiloh Road, Suite V. More blood drive locations and additional information is available at www.carterbloodcare.org or www.redcross.org.