January is Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and we thought we'd take a moment to explain to you how important it is to take the time to donate if you can. If you are in relatively good health and can spare 30 minutes, you can save up to FIVE lives. Blood is something most of us have plenty of, and our bodies will create more after every donation. If you have considered donating but have never gotten around to doing so, now is the time! Blood supplies are always in need of replenishing--especially around the holidays. Now that the New Year is here, why don't you pledge to donate blood this year and see the amazing difference you can make in someone's life.

After 9/11, blood donations were at an all-time high. Unfortunately, the urge to help dwindled and blood banks are in dire need again. To find out where you can donate in your area, click here. If you are unsure if you are eligible to donate, follow this link to learn about the requirements.

For more excellent articles about how blood donation saves lives, check out these sites:
American Association of Blood Banks - January is National Blood Donor Month
GiveLife.org - American Red Cross
America's Blood Centers
Silver Spring Center - National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
Red Cross - National Volunteer Donor Month Combats Blood Shortages


HostJulie was a big chicken who had not donated blood her whole life long. But she got brave and donated for the first time this fall when the Red Cross came to her office building. She was pleased to find out it was easy, and she has great veins filled with O- blood. She is still nervous about the needles, but the fear is overshadowed by her excitement to be able to help save lives!