January is National Blood Donor Month.

While the need for blood is always there, this time of year the challenges facing the blood supply are often exacerbated as icy winter weather and seasonal illness often cause donors to postpone giving, which is why all healthy, eligible individuals are encouraged to make an appointment and donate blood.

Ahead of this special month, America’s Blood Centers, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies and the American Red Cross joined together to thank blood donors.

“This National Blood Donor Month, we honor the exceptional generosity of the nearly 7 million individuals across the nation who selflessly donate blood each year. That simple yet powerful decision is a lifeline for those facing a health crisis or requiring a transfusion for disease management. We encourage all eligible individuals to make a life-saving impact in their community,” said Kate Fry, chief executive officer at America’s Blood Centers.

“To our nation’s dedicated blood and platelet donors: thank you,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Your lifesaving donation provides healing and hope, strengthening the bonds of community that unite us all in the face of uncertainty and suffering. This National Blood Donor Month and always, we praise your generosity, and we invite more individuals to join us in rolling up a sleeve for patients in need.”

President Richard Nixon proclaimed January 1970 as the first National Blood Donor Month on Dec. 31, 1969, as requested by Senate Joint Resolution 154, to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors and encourage individuals to become blood donors.

This month has continued to be celebrated each year.

Every two seconds, someone in America requires a blood transfusion, with over 42,000 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma used by patients each day. These transfusions are essential in treating acute care needs such as trauma, as well as in disease management for patients facing cancer treatment, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, and organ and bone marrow transplants.

If you are interested in donating, a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are at least 17 years old in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Common reasons people can’t donate include suffering from a cold, flu, or other types of illness, low iron, or if you have lived in or traveled to a malaria-risk country in the past three years. While most medications will not disqualify you from being able to donate blood, they do require a waiting period after your final dose.

As a special thank you, the Red Cross and National Football League are partnering together and those who give blood between now and Jan. 26 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

We urge all eligible individuals to make an appointment today to donate blood or platelets and save a life!

The Journal-Advocate (Sterling, Colo.)