Catherine Lane for Getty Images
Catherine Lane for Getty Images

Giving blood is a great New Year’s Resolution, which makes it convenient that every January is National Blood Donor Month. This month also is critical for keeping the country’s blood supply sufficient during the winter, which normally sees fewer donors simply because of the cold weather. While all blood types are needed, donors with types AB, O, B negative and A negative are especially encouraged to give blood.

 

To qualify to donate, you must:

  • Present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification.
  • Be at least 17 years old or, in some states, 16 with parental consent.
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.

To make an appointment to donate, either download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). 

 

After your first donation, you can save time on subsequent visits by using RapidPass to complete the required pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

 

 

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