OHIO — Make a big difference in the lives of others — that’s what Mike Parks, the CEO of The Red Cross of Northern Ohio, saiid you can do if you donate blood.

 

What You Need To Know

  • January is National Blood Donor Month

  • Anyone who gives blood the Red Cross during the month of January will automatically be entered in a chance to win Super Bowl 2022 tickets

  • The Red Cross is always in need of blood

  • To make an appointment to donate blood go to redcrossblood.org


“We need people to step up and give blood because blood is the gift of life. Every donation helps up to three people's lives,” said Parks.  

January is National Blood Donor Month, and that’s not by coincidence.

“January is a tough time of year after the holidays and people are doing other things. They don't think about it, but even in this pandemic, we still need people to donate blood. We still need people to host blood drives. That's an incredibly important thing,” said Parks.  

An incredibly important thing to avid blood donors like Jessica Hanes, whose 4-year-old nephew has a rare condition and may need a blood transfusion at some point in his life.

 

“Recently, my nephew was born with Hemophilia, so that really raised awareness in our family for the importance of blood donations. Hemophilia is a blood disorder where my nephew, if he gets cut or injured, he bruises very easily. And if he could potentially have internal bleeding, as well as you can't stop the bleeding. So, he doesn't clot like everyone else,” said Hanes.

Parks said the need for blood never stops, even during a pandemic. And for those that had COVID-19 and survived, there may be a way for you to help.

“Those folks are eligible to donate convalescent plasma, ... it's a blood product that's used to help those people who are suffering from COVID. It's been found to be a helpful treatment for those people,” said Parks.

And if saving a life isn’t enough of a motivator, donors this month could potentially win tickets to Super Bowl 2022. 

”We have a fantastic relationship here in Cleveland with our local sports teams. Obviously, you know, the Browns and the Cavs and the Indians. And right now, the Red Cross around the country has partnered with the NFL to make this month, you know, the National Blood Donor month, even more special because if you donate during this month, you will be entered into an opportunity for Super Bowl tickets,” said Parks.



Helping a family member, friend, or stranger, your blood will be put to good use.

“I'm just really grateful that I can donate because you just never know who can use that blood and it just saves a life,” said Hanes.  

If you’re interested in giving blood you can go to redcrossblood.org and find a blood drive near you. Donations are by appointment only because of the pandemic.