The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Vitalant and Darlene Rose encourage you to help meet the urgent need for blood and platelets by resolving to give blood this year starting in January, which is National Blood Donor Month.

Donating blood or platelets is a way to make a lifesaving impact in the new year for patients in need. 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 illnesses often impact donor turnout this time of year.

"There is a constant need for blood - in fact, nearly 5,000 blood donations are needed each day to meet the needs of people throughout the country," said Vitalant President and CEO Dave Green. "National Blood Donor Month is a critical time for people to donate, and we hope that people of all ages will start the New Year by realizing their life-transforming potential of giving blood. These vital donations truly transform lives in communities across the United States."

To encourage donations, all those who donate will be entered to win a door prize of wild fruit jam and jelly. The blood drive will be held at the Carter County Events Center located at 203 W Park Street in Ekalaka on Wednesday, January 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. Call (406) 775-6431 to schedule an appointment.