Grand Island: Blood drive Jan. 22 at firehall

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Grand Island Firehall, 2275 Baseline Road.

The American Red Cross encourages people to help meet what the organization calls an urgent need for blood and platelets by resolving to give blood this January, National Blood Donor Month.

Donating blood or platelets is a way to make a lifesaving impact for patients like Judy Janssen, who was diagnosed with end-stage autoimmune liver disease in 2016. Janssen received frequent blood transfusions – sometimes multiple times a week – until she underwent a liver transplant last January.

“Blood donors make a really big difference with very little effort,” said Janssen, who received dozens of transfusions before and during her transplant surgery. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for blood donations.”

The role of blood and platelet donors has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years during National Blood Donor Month, which coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients. Busy holiday schedules, extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout this time of year. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood or platelets regularly, beginning in January. To make an appointment to donate, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).