![Need for Blood Donations is ‘Constant’ This Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2015/03/1-6-15-donate-blood-go.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Need for Blood Donations is ‘Constant’ This Month
ST. CLOUD -- The American Red Cross is in need of more blood donors this time of year -- which is why January is National Blood Donor Month.
Seasonal factors like cold weather and illnesses cause for a shortage of blood donations.
"We just want to remind the public that it's a great time to roll up the sleeve and donate blood because the need is constant," says Sue Thesenga with the Red Cross.
Thesenga says 33% of Americans are eligible to give blood, but only 8% actually donate.
"Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion, and a lot of people don't realize that until they or someone they love needs a blood transfusion."
The Red Cross says they provide 40% of the nation's blood supply and the relatively short shelf life of red blood cells (42 days) and platelets (five days) contribute to the constant need of blood donations.
Requirements:
- Must weigh at least 110 pounds.
- Must be 17 years old with valid ID (16 year-olds eligible with parental consent).
- Cannot donate when ill.
- No age limit, as long as you're in good health.
- Can donate every 56 days, or about six times per year.
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