January is National Blood Donor Month

Red Cross platelet donor Mark Junod.

During National Blood Donor Month the Red Cross celebrates you – our generous supporters who help save lives! Four million of you rolled up your sleeves last year to give blood through the American Red Cross, thousands more volunteered time and energy to host blood drives. While patients rely on your gifts of time and blood every month of the year, in January the Red Cross makes a special effort to recognize and thank you for providing hope to patients in need.  

Share the reasons why you give blood and visit our Facebook page to learn why other Red Crossers donate. Visit this link to learn about all American Red Cross volunteer opportunities.

Gift of life with bear hugs

Omaha officers delivered holiday teddy bears to patients at Children's Hospital.

Frequent apheresis platelet donors not only give lifesaving platelets to patients in need, they also earn teddy bears for hospitalized children as part of the Cubs for Kids program.

Each Red Cross teddy bear is delivered with a personal note from the platelet donor. One donor recently sent the following wishes: "Best to you – hope this bear finds you feeling better." The bears offer children comfort and hope during their hospitalization.

Visit this link to learn more about platelets and apheresis platelet donation.

Calling all type O negative donors

There is currently a greater need for type O negative blood donations. A recent surge in patient usage has increased the need for type O negative, often called the universal blood type because it can potentially be transfused to anyone.

In an emergency, type O negative can be used for trauma victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant recipients, and premature babies.

While all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients this winter, type O negative is especially needed right now. Visit givebloodgivelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) today to schedule your next donation appointment. Check your eligibility by visiting this link.

Second chance for first-time donor and wife

Randy and Wendy Aide

Randy Aide had good reason to become a first-time donor in November 2009 – blood donors helped save the life of his wife Wendy.

"She had a lot of pain in her side. I could tell by looking at her that her stomach was getting a bit bigger and she jaundiced so I decided that we had to go to the hospital," said Randy. "At the hospital, they did a CT scan and found a blood clot in her portal vein."

Wendy was hospitalized for about a month – with Randy at her side. In one evening she required a transfusion of 25 pints of blood. "Without the wonderful doctors and blood donors, she wouldn't be here today," Randy says.

"I'd never thought about donating blood before. It was easy – there was nothing to it. I didn't even feel it. It only took about 10 minutes. I'll continue to donate forever," Randy said. "Because of blood donors, Wendy got a second chance. We both got a second chance."

Visit this link to read other paitent stories.