January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. The holidays and recent severe weather across the nation has added to the already low blood reserves. There is a serious shortage of blood across the United States, so the American Red Cross needs all the blood donors it can get. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and, therefore must continually be replenished.
Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. An individual can donate every 56 days.
The American Red Cross thanks you for being a dedicated blood or platelet donor. Giving blood is truly giving the gift of life
The West Hempstead Public Library will be holding a Blood Drive on Monday, January 10, 2011 from 3-8 p.m. Call the Reference Desk at (516) 481-6591 ext. 21 to schedule an appointment.