January is National Blood Donor Month
Do you have it in you? Blood, that is! Why, yes, yes you do! But, do you have it in you to get out and donate this month? We hope so. The need is high, especially in our area. January is National Blood Donor Month, which highlights the critical need for blood during winter when donations tend to decline. The month of January has been labeled National Blood Donor Month since 1970.
What you need to know about giving blood:
Who is eligible to Donate Blood?
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 year olds may donate with parental consent.) You must weigh 110 pounds or more and be feeling well on the day of donation (free from cold and flu symptoms). Have a photo ID ready. Donors may not have had hepatitis after 11 years old and have no risk factors associated with HIV.
What happens at the Blood Donation Visit?
In short, you will fill out some forms and have a private interview about health history. They will take your vitals and check your hemoglobin level through a finger pick. If eligible, the actual donation takes about 10 minutes. After a pint has been collected, you will get a bandage and some snacks and a drink. You can leave after 10-15 minutes to normal activities.
On a Personal Note
After writing this post {originally four years ago}, I decided to face my fears and give blood (if I could write an article telling others to do it, how could I sit home and not donate out of fear). So I did! It didn’t take long (under 45 minutes total parking lot to parking lot time) and I handled the needle part just fine. In fact I signed up to give more often! Our daughter was born in November 2017 and her birth mom ended up needing 2 bags of blood. I am grateful to all who give.
Blood Donor Month Promotion
Donors can schedule an appointment at bcw.edu or by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376).
Where to find a local blood drive:
There are several blood drives going on in our area this month. See master list below organized by date.
- To find and schedule a donation through the Blood Center of Wisconsin, go to bcw.edu/donate or call 1-877-232-4376. There is a donation Center in Waukesha.
- To find and schedule a donation through Red Cross, you can use their free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call them at 1-800-733-2767.
Plus, this interesting article on all things blood related.
Blood Drives in Lake Country in January 2025
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Held at Liberty Dance Studio in Waukesha
From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
*Free childcare from myself (a background checked dance instructor and employee at Liberty Dance Center), free dance classes during childcare and meet Stephanie Kraemer who is United States of America Mrs. Wisconsin!
Register in advance.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Held at St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Brookfield
From 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Register in advance.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Held at New Berlin City Hall
From 8:00 am to noon.
Register in advance.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Held at the Panther Arena in Milwaukee (home to the Admirals)
From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Register in advance.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Held at St. Matthew’s Church in Oconomowoc
From 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
Register in advance.
Friday, January 31, 2025
Held at Kettle Moraine High School
From 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Register in advance.
Find more blood drives through Versiti.
Find more blood drives through Wisconsin Red Cross.
Go out and SAVE A LIFE today!
If you cannot donate, consider a financial donation to the Blood Center of Wisconsin.
16 Things to do in January
Brought to us by University Lake School in Hartland
Hello! Can I ask you to include the blood drive at St. Dominic Catholic Parish as well?
Thursday, January 20 1:30-6:30 pm
St. Dominic Catholic Parish Marcy Center – lower level of Church
18255 W. Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53045
Here is the appointment link: https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/251776
Thank you!