TOLEDO, Ohio — According to the American Red Cross, typically there are fewer blood drives held between Thanksgiving and January 1 each year.
January has been named National Blood Donor Month - in order to encourage people to come out and give and help shore up the nation's blood supply.
Bethany Melroy is what some would consider a regular or frequent blood donor.
Melroy has been giving blood since she was in high school. She's now 40 years old and says she donates blood every year because it's the right thing to do.
"I just think it's a really good way to do something different to help out. It usually only takes about an hour or less so its relatively easy,” said Melroy.
But of course some people may need a push to get them to come out.
That's why the Red Cross has created different incentives for National Blood Donor Month.
"We partnered with Peyton Manning, NFL superstar, so anybody who donates between now and the end of the month will be entered for a chance to win tickets to Super Bowl 57,” said Rachel Hepner-Zawodney, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northwest Ohio Chapter.
Hepner-Zawodney says giving blood at the Red Cross is one of the best things people can do to help out their community.
"I've been with the organization for over 18 years what we do from a blood collection standpoint is really important. We collect over 40 percent of the nations blood supply,” said Hepner-Zawodney.
Of course saving lives is the best part of giving blood and it's what keeps donors like Melroy coming back.
"I think it leaves a great impact because they are going to know that the hospitals are getting the supplies they need to help patients," said Melroy. "And you never know when patients can come in with like a car accident or some other kind of trauma."
You can find opportunities to donate at RedCrossBlood.org either through mobile drives or at the Red Cross' fixed locations.
You can also call one of the offices of the American Red Cross Northwest Ohio Chapter:
- Northwest Ohio Chapter
1111 Research Drive
Toledo, OH 43452
419-329-2900 - Fremont Office
1245 Napoleon Street
Fremont, OH 43420 - Monroe Office
1645 North Dixie Highway #1
Monroe, MI 48162 - Port Clinton Office
109 E. Perry Street
Port Clinton, OH 43420 - North Central Ohio Chapter
125 Fair Street
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-9322 - Sandusky Office
404 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
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