January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when the American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the millions of dedicated blood donors across the country for helping ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need.
There will be two opportunities to donate blood in Barton County in January: Jan. 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker St. in Great Bend, and Jan. 14 from 2-7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 110 W. Second St. in Ellinwood.
Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated in an effort to educate Americans about the importance of regular blood donation and the impact it can have. Every day, around 44,000 pints of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant recipients, premature babies, cancer patients and more.
January can be an especially challenging month to collect blood donations because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses. Throughout the month, the Red Cross is honoring the contributions of those who roll up their sleeves to help save lives, one donation at a time.