Winter months are particularly hard for blood banks, said donor recruitment representative Bob Ferrera of the American Red Cross, because inclement weather and illness can cause significant drops in blood donations.

 

There is a critical need for Type O blood, according to the Red Cross. Type 0 is the most common blood type and is used extensively by hospitals. Type 0 blood donors are considered universal red cell donors because their blood can be given to most other blood types in emergencies when there is no time to type a patient’s blood.

 

Anyone at least 17 years old, in good general health, and weighing 110 pounds or more is eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Celebrate National Blood Donor Month 2009 by donating blood and encourage others to give or pledge to give blood! From one unit of blood, red blood cells can be extracted for use in trauma or surgical patients. Blood donors play an important role to help ensure an adequate blood supply during the winter months. The donor is asked about medical history and given tests for diseases that can be transmitted by a blood transfusion, including HIV and viral hepatitis.