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 two 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
$10 to Noodles & Company
If you need even more incentive to get out and donate this month, besides all the good you are doing, Noodles & Company has partnered with the Blood Center of Wisconsin to give a coupon redeemable for one free entree to those who donate at a BCW donor center or select BCW mobile blood drives while supplies last. In total, Noodles & Company donated $150,000 for this initiative – how amazing! The coupons are valid with a Coca-Cola Freestyle purchase and are redeemable through Noodles & Company’s mobile app only by January 31, 2020.
Donors can schedule an appointment at bcw.edu or by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376).
Where to donate blood:
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 2020
Church of the Resurrection – Pewaukee
W287 N3700 North Shore Dr, Pewaukee, WI
Waukesha Public Library
321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha, WI
Thursday, January 9th, 2020 l 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Shepherd of the Hills – Pewaukee
N36 W24130 Pewaukee Rd, Pewaukee, WI (PO BOX 802)
Thursday, January 9th | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
*Receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s custard, free MVP haircut from Sport Clips, and free Sky Zone 30 minute jump pass.
Princeton Club – New Berlin
14999 W Beloit Rd, New Berlin
Friday, January 10th l 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
* receive a coupon for $10 off your next Noodles and Company purchase!
Butler Public Library
12808 W Hampton Ave, Butler, WI
Monday, January 13 | 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
*For an appointment call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Butler Library.
University Lake School
4024 Nagawicka Road, Hartland, WI
January 16, 2020 | TIMES TBD
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
818 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI
January 18, 2020 l 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Sign up HERE.
Oconomowoc Rotary at Shorehaven Roehl Auditorium
1305 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc
January 21, 2020 l 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm
RiverGlen Church Pewaukee Campus Lobby
W229 N1400 WESTWOOD DRIVE, aukesha
January 22, 2020 l 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Aurora Health Center – Waukesha
W231 N1440 Corporate Court, Waukesha
Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sendik’s Towne Centre
18915 W. Capitol Dr. Suite 100, Brookfield, WI
Wednesday, January 29th | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Go out and SAVE A LIFE today!
If you cannot donate, consider a financial donation American Red Cross or the Blood Center of Wisconsin.
16 Things to do in January
Brought to us by X Golf Brookfield.
