In recognition of January as National Blood Donor Month, Coliseum Medical Centers and Coliseum Northside Hospital urge middle Georgia residents to consider blood donation.  Blood donations tend to drop off during the winter months due to holidays, travel, inclement weather and illness.  National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood and platelet donations. Every day in the United States, hospitals and emergency treatment facilities depend on donated blood to save the lives of their patients.
 
Dr. John Shivdat, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Coliseum Medical Centers, said, “Recently, the American Red Cross issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors due to a blood shortage.  As the area’s leading emergency services provider, we know that the need is great.  Coliseum Health System is proud to offer regular blood donation drives throughout the year.”
 
The next blood drive will be offered at Coliseum Medical Centers, located at 350 Hospital Drive in Macon, on January 31 from 7:00 a.m. to Noon. To sign up to give blood, please visit www.redcrossblood.org.
 
Know before you go

To donate, you must be 16 years old or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good general health, and be feeling well.

When attending a blood drive, take along the names of medications you use.

The blood type most commonly requested by hospitals is type O, but every type is needed!

To find a donation center or blood drive near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org, or call your local hospital.