January is National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). Established in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, NBDM encourages first-time and regular donors to make a difference in their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood every January, and regularly thereafter.
Blood Assurance, a regional nonprofit blood center based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is challenging eligible donors to step forward and give blood during January in order to boost supply during a period of traditionally low collections. Blood Assurance was founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees after local leaders saw the need for an adequate and safe supply of blood was required in the region.

This call to action comes at a time when blood is traditionally in short supply due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. Blood Assurance needs 440 volunteer blood donors every day in order to adequately supply 70 area healthcare facilities with blood and blood components. Blood Assurance serves 47 counties across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Virginia.

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month is the perfect time to talk about the importance of giving blood, to honor past and present donors and encourage new people to donate. Rick Youngblood, President & CEO of Blood Assurance, encourages the community to get involved. “There is no substitute for the lifesaving blood our volunteer donors provide to patients in need at local hospitals. Please become a donor in 2015, and make a commitment to save lives. If you are already a donor, encourage your friends and family members to join you. Thank you for your service to your community.” said Mr. Youngblood.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a complimentary snack and a t-shirt. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids – avoiding caffeine – and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

Blood Assurance has several locations and bloodmobile units available in their service area for people who would like to help save lives. For more information about donating blood, please call 1-800-962-0628 or go to www.BloodAssurance.org.