January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and celebrating this gift of life’s impact of those who roll up their sleeves to help people in need.

This year marks the 53^rd anniversary of the national recognition, and January is the perfect month for such an important observance.

The winter season is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs, according to the American Red Cross. Among other things, busy holiday celebrations and schedules, as well as inclement weather, often result in canceled blood drives. Even more, seasonal illnesses like colds and flu force potential donors to skip their regular donations.

In thanks and support for helping meet the immediate need for blood and platelets, OneBlood is teaming up with Community Health Northwest Florida for a multi-site blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, January 11^th.

The blood drive will be held at two locations:

Community Health Northwest Florida’s Main Site, 2315 W. Jackson St., Pensacola

Community Health Northwest Florida Milton, 6671 Caroline St., Milton

All donors will receive a $20 eGift Card, OneBlood long sleeve T-shirt and a brief wellness checkup, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Appointments are encouraged. Please visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 69957.

Blood donors of all blood types – especially type O blood, the blood groups hospitals need most – are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet the daily medical demands.

Donating blood saves lives and improves health outcomes for many people. Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even more if your blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma.

January is the beginning of a new year and the perfect time to celebrate National Blood Donor Month. Donating blood is safer than ever before and save lives. Maybe someday that saved life will be your own, thanks to a blood donation somebody took the time to give!

Questions? Learn more about the importance of giving blood and get tips for first time donations at OneBlood’s website!