Annual shortage at blood banks propels January blood drive

There’s a reason why January, and not April or August, is National Blood Donor Month. This is the time of year when blood donations are needed most. In the winter months, hospitals are faced with a two-fold problem: less blood is donated than in other months, and surgical procedures requiring blood transfusions are more numerous.

There’s typically a 10 to 20 percent decrease in blood donations in winter. This fall-off is caused, in large part, by the cold and snowy weather that sets in on many American towns and cities. In such regions, cold or flu symptoms prevent a large number of people from donating. Moreover, it’s not uncommon that blood drives are cancelled due to snowstorms or extreme cold. And with Christmas and the New Year being busy for many Americans, some simply lack the time to donate.

The other side of the problem — the increased demand for blood transfusions in winter — is linked to the weather too. In cold and snowy conditions, there are a large number of injuries caused by slipping on ice, many serious enough to involve surgery and blood transfusions. Additionally, due to icy roads and poor visibility, there’s a much higher incidence of traumatic injuries sustained in car accidents.

What can you do?
In most states, if you’re 16 or over, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, you’re eligible to give blood. You can do so simply by making an appointment with a local blood donation center. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org.