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.

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.

$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, 2019.

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 2019

Church of the Resurrection – Pewaukee

W287 N3700 North Shore Dr, Pewaukee, WI

North Lake School

N75 W31283 Hwy VV, North Lake, WI 

Rotating Equipment Repair

Tuesday, January 15th | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

New Berlin City Hall

3805  S. Casper Dr., New Berlin, WI 53151

Thursday, January 17  | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Note: Open to the community and walk-in donors welcome anytime!

Waukesha Blood Donation Center – American Red Cross

Aurora Health Center – New Berlin

Aurora Health Center – Summit (Draper Hall)

East Troy Bible Church

2660 North St -Hwy 20 East Troy, WI 53120

Monday, January 21st | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Note: Bring a friend and help save lives together.

American Legion

201 S Water St Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Wednesday, January 23rd  | 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM

Waukesha Blood Donation Center

Lebanon Elementary School

W4712 County Rd O Watertown, WI 53098

Wednesday, January 30th  | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Sendik’s Towne Centre

Wednesday, January 30th | 1:00 PM – 6:00 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.