THE BRIGHT SIDE
National Blood Donor Month.
This event is celebrated every January to honor donors and highlight the critical need for blood, especially during the winter months when donations often decline due to holidays, inclement weather, and illnesses, making consistent giving vital for patient care. Declared by President Nixon in 1969, it encourages eligible individuals to donate to ensure a steady blood supply, with organizations like the American Red Cross leading awareness campaigns. It serves as an annual call to action, highlighting the lifesaving impact of blood donation and encouraging new donors to step up during this period of increased need. The U.S. is experiencing ongoing, often “emergency” blood shortages, with the American Red Cross reporting critically low levels, especially for Type O blood, due to decreased donations from factors like pandemic shifts, fewer young donors, and seasonal challenges, impacting hospitals’ ability to meet daily patient needs for surgeries, cancer treatments, and trauma care.
Blood is always needed for surgeries, chronic illnesses, and emergencies, making winter donations crucial to maintain the supply. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. While 65% of the population is eligible to donate, only about 3% actually do so annually. This year marks the 57th anniversary of Blood Donor Month, with many donation locations offering incentives for donating. The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Lake Lawn Resort on Monday, January 12th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Person of the Week
Happy Birthday to Ken from Kilwins. He turned 92 young! Cheers to Ken!
