If you’re healthy and you know it – give blood in January during
National Blood Donor Month
Traditionally in winter months blood tends to be in short supply due to
holiday festivities and travel, inclement weather and sickness. For blood
centers, the month of January proves to be the most difficult time to
collect blood donations. While you are making your resolutions this month,
why not challenge yourself to save a life by pledging to give blood.
“One in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point during
their lifetime. Only 37% of the population is eligible to give blood and
less than 10% of those give annually. With someone in the U.S. needing
blood every 2 seconds, and 1 in 7 people entering the hospital will use
blood their is a dire need for more donors. The only way to have enough
blood to save lives is through your blood donations. The whole process
takes less than an 1 hour and you can’t forget your complimentary
cookie afterward.” said Sandi Wike, Sponsorship Developer Community
Blood Center of the Carolinas in Hickory.
Unsure if you qualify to give? The Red Cross provides some helpful guidelines:
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If you are in good health, at least 16 years old and weigh at least 120
pounds (110 pounds for platelet donation), there is a good chance you
are able to donate blood! All 16 year olds must have a
CBCC parental consent form signed to donate.
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Some of the following conditions may prevent you from donating blood temporarily,
while others may permanently exclude you from donating blood. Below are
some of the reasons you may not be able to donate today, but may be able
to in the future.– Iron level is below 12.5 (you can increase your
iron level by stocking up on iron-rich foods)
– If you are under treatment for a variety of illnesses like cancer,
heart disease or certain blood diseases
– Tattoos from a non-licensed / non-regulated facility in the last year
– Body piercings from a non-licensed facility in the last year
– Cold or flu
– Had a blood transfusion in the last year Hepatitis HIV / AIDS
– Travel to a malaria-risk area in the last year
– Pregnancy Sexually transmitted diseases
– If taking one of the medications on our deferral list, you may
not be able to donate today, but may be able to donate in future. Please
call to find out what the wait period is if you are taking a medication
on this list.
*This is not an inclusive list. For more details about eligibility, check
out our FAQs or contact CBCC at 704-972-4700
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Now’s your chance to get involved. Visit
Community Blood Center of the Carolinas to learn more about being a blood donor and to find a mobile blood drive
in the Hickory area. Located at 2217 Highway 70 SE in the Valley Corners
Shopping Center in Hickory, CBCC is open the following hours:
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to 8pm
- Friday 7:30am to 5pm
- Saturday 7:30am to 3pm