National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

How could I go half the month without sharing with you what the month it is!!!!?!?!?!?

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.... GET OUT!! GIVE RIGHT NOW!!!

Read on for more information.

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. January, in particular, is a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations. A reduction in turnout can put our nation's blood inventory at a critical low.

AABB, in conjunction with America's Blood Centers and American Red Cross, is celebrating National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM) 2005 to encourage donors to give or pledge to give blood. The theme for this year's campaign is, once again, "Give Blood…The Gift of Life," which highlights the importance of giving the gift of life through the donation of blood.

In an effort to thank the many blood donors and volunteers who have made life-saving contributions, AABB is pleased to present "A Million Thanks," a five-minute, professionally-produced video. Blood donors rarely have an opportunity to see and hear the remarkable, life-saving effects their donations have. "A Million Thanks" features heartfelt testimonials of children, young adults and other patients, and family members whose lives have been directly touched by life-saving blood transfusions. It is a unique way for recipients to express their gratitude to the anonymous strangers who have changed their lives.

Every day in our country, approximately 38,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims. Our goal is to help ensure that blood is available to patients whenever and wherever it is needed because it is the blood on the shelves that helps saves lives.

If you are at least 17 years of age (some states permit younger people to donate with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and meet other donor requirements, you may be eligible to donate blood. Celebrate NVBDM with AABB by "Giving the Gift of Life" and encouraging others to donate as well.