You should know

Red Cross preparing for

blood drives in January

The American Red Cross plans to conduct at least two blood drives this month in Jackson County.

The first will be from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 19 at Dicksons Inc., 709 B. Ave. East, Seymour. The second will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 23 at The Peoples Bank, 100 N. Main St., Brownstown.

January can be a challenging time for blood donations because inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and cold and flu season may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments, according to a news release from the Red Cross.

National Blood Donor Month, celebrated in January since 1970, is designed to raise awareness of the need for blood during the winter and throughout the year, while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need.

Eligible donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.