The month of January is often a challenging time for the Red Cross to collect blood products to meet the needs of patients, especially after a busy holiday season.
Winter weather and seasonal illnesses like the flu may also prevent people from making or keeping appointments. A Red Cross news release says when fewer people donate, blood products can start to disappear from hospital shelves.
January is National Blood Donor Month, during which the Red Cross celebrates those who generously roll up a sleeve to help save lives and encourages others to donate.
Donors of all types – especially those with type O negative blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give.
And, as an extra incentive this month, someone will win Super Bowl Tickets.
This marks the sixth year the Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering to invite blood donors and football fans to help patients in need of lifesaving blood. The winner of the Super Bowl LIX tickets will get a full experience.
Donors can give blood at Red Cross blood drives or Red Cross blood donation centers in Michigan for a chance to win those Super Bowl tickets.
You can find more information at redcrossblood.org
