JANUARY IS NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH

The Rock River Valley Blood Center announces that January is National Blood Donor Month. This annual month-long observance provides the blood banking community with an opportunity to pay tribute to past and present blood donors, and to extend an invitation to donate blood to those healthy, eligible individuals who have previously never given the gift of life. 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 donors are the backbone of the community blood supply. They are the everyday heroes that ensure blood is there when patients need it. We thank them all year long, but it is important that they be honored for their dedication” said Linda Gerber, CEO. “We are urging people to start off the New Year by donating blood and by making a commitment to become a regular donor.”

According to Jennifer Bowman, RRVBC Public Relations Manager, “The need for blood is constant. One in three people will need blood in their lifetime. Each day, patients across the country receive approximately 38,000 units of this vital resource. This year alone, more than four and half million patients will require blood transfusions, as accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases.”

The Rock River Valley Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and related services to OSF Saint Anthony, Rockford Memorial, SwedishAmerican, Beloit Memorial, Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, Freeport Health Network, Mercy Harvard, and Rochelle Community hospitals.

For more information contact the Rock River Valley Blood Center at 815/965-8751 or toll free at 877-RRVBC-99 or on the web at www.rrvbc.org .