It’s January – Give the Gift of Life

January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and the ITP Foundation encourages all eligible individuals to make a special effort to give blood during this time.

The theme for this year's campaign is "Give Blood…The Gift of Life" and it highlights the importance of giving the gift of life through the donation of blood.

“Nine out of ten people will need blood at some time in their lives,” says Michael E. McGuire, Chair of the ITP Foundation.  “That includes people with ITP, many of whom receive regular intravenous immunoglobulin treatments, which are derived from blood plasma.”

January is usually a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations, due to fewer people donating during the holidays, poor weather, and more people getting sick. A reduction in turnout can put blood inventory at a critical low. In some parts of the country, blood centers are currently on critical appeal.

There is a continuous need for blood.  Most individuals do not realize that donated blood has a short shelf life - approximately 42 days for red blood cells - which means that the blood supply needs to be constantly replenished. The nation has a continuing critical need for blood throughout the year and meeting this need every day is a challenge.

If you are at least 17 years of age (some states permit younger people to donate with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, you may be eligible to donate blood.  To find a blood donation center near you, contact the American Red Cross (www.givelife.org) at 800-GIVE LIFE or America’s Blood Centers (www.americasblood.org) at 888-USBLOOD.

“People who give blood are truly unsung heroes,” McGuire says.  “On behalf of kids with ITP, we thank and salute them.”

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