Nation Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month. Thousands of patients at our hospitals are now living healthy, productive lives because blood donated by people like you was available when they needed it. This blood supply, on which we all depend, is now in jeopardy. The primary threat to our blood supply is a shortage of healthy blood donors. You and your family may never need blood, or never experience surgery, accidents or disasters. But if you do, safe blood will be available for you only if healthy prople continue to give blood to maintain the supply. Donating is safe, simple and satisfying. Your body contains about 10-12 pints of blood and the blood you give is quickly replaced. The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes and less than 10 minutes for the actual blood donation. Blood donors should be between 17 and 75 and weigh at least 110 lbs. You can visit the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance website at bloodalliance.com to get information on where you can donate. They have 14 different locations today! Usually after the holidays, the supply of blood is critically low. So, let one of your New Year's Resolutions be to "give the gift of life". You'll be glad you did.