Donors who give blood at the American Red Cross blood drive slated for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church today will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt.

The blood drive is set from 1 until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, in the church’s parish hall.

The holiday period disrupts usual blood donation patterns, often leading to shortages of blood for transfusions in January and February. 

Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment.

The critical role of blood 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.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.