Community Blood Center: Recognizes volunteers who donate life during National Blood Donor Month

Contact:

Jean Detjen

Marketing & Communications Manager

Community Blood Center

www.communityblood.org

C: (920) 574-6841

Community Blood Center Recognizes Volunteers Who Donate Life During National Blood Donor Month

APPLETON/FOX CITIES, JANUARY 14 – January is National Blood Donor Month, and The Community Blood Center is extending its thanks to donors and blood drive sponsors who have made a commitment to saving lives.

“While it’s important to continually find new blood donors, it’s imperative that we recognize those who have been there for us and respond when needed. They are the heroes in our community,” said John Hagins, President & CEO of The Community Blood Center.

Donor commitment to regular and frequent donations is especially important to maintain sufficient, ongoing supplies for the community.

“We continue to see a need for ‘Universal’ type O-negative blood donors as well as platelet donors,” added Hagins, who says one of the greatest needs from their hospital customers are platelet donations required for surgeries. “Platelets are the part of blood used to control bleeding; burn patients, trauma patients, oncology patients, and many surgeries require the use of platelets. The need for platelet donations is an everyday concern. You can donate them every seven days. Platelets survive only five days outside the body.”

O-negative blood is considered ‘Universal,’ which means it can go to anyone. It is often used in emergency situations when there is not time to determine a patient’s blood type. Additionally, O-negative red blood cells are safest for newborn infants with under-developed immune systems.

To keep up with demand, The Community Blood Center needs about 1,200 blood product units each week for the 18 area hospitals served in Wisconsin and Michigan. Supply is down in January because of frigid weather, travel schedules, and seasonal illness. Volunteer donors of all blood types are welcome and appreciated every day of the year at The Community Blood Center.

The Community Blood Center is a non-profit organization that has worked with generous blood donors to provide a steady, reliable blood supply for hospital patients for over 50 years. Partnerships are created with community groups, schools, churches, and businesses to hold over 125 blood drives each month. On average, the Community Blood Center must collect about 1,200 pints of blood every week to meet the needs of hospital patients served. Donor centers are located in Appleton, Little Chute, Oshkosh, and Woodruff. Appointments may be made online at www.communityblood.org or by calling 800-280-4102.