JONESBORO, Ark. (Jan 2, 2019) - The American Red Cross encourages people to help meet the urgent need for blood and platelets by resolving to give blood this January - National Blood Donor Month.

The critical role of blood and platelet donors has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years during National Blood Donor Month, which coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients. Busy holiday schedules, extreme winter weather and seasonal illnessess often impact donor turnout this time of year.

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood or platelets regularly, beginning in January. To encourage donations immediately, all those who come to donate by Jan 6 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Area Blood Drives through 1/31/19:

Greene County

Paragould 

• 1/25/2019:  1pm-5pm, Synergy Health & Fitness, 3501 Carriage Hills Drive Suite B

Craighead County

Jonesboro

• 1/17/2019:  11am-7pm, St Bernards Auditorium, 505 East Washington
• 1/18/2019:  11am-7pm, St Bernards Auditorium, 505 East Washington
• 1/24/2019:  9:30am-2pm, Westside High School, 1630 Hwy 91 N
• 1/29/2019:  10am-2pm, First Security Bank, 1341 Stadium Blvd
• 2/1/2019:  11:30am-3:30pm, Craighead County Detention Center, 901 Willet Road
• Visit RedCross.org to set up an appointment at the Jonesboro Blood Donation Center or to see their operating hours for walk-ins

Lake City

• 1/23/2019:  8:30am-2:30pm, Riverside High School, 2007 Hwy 18

Randolph County

Pocahontas

• 1/28/2019:  1pm-5pm, Black River Technical College, 1410 Hwy 304 East
  1/29/2019:  1pm-5pm, Black River Technical College, 1410 Hwy 304 East

Sharp County

Ash Flat

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.