National Blood Donor Month: where you can donate

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - January is National Blood Donor Month and just one pint of blood can make a difference or even save someone's life.

Many people donate blood to the American Red Cross, which will help all patients. According to the agency, donations will benefit cancer patients, trauma patients, sickle cell patients, burn victims, and heart surgery and organ transplant patients. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, according to the American Red Cross.

National Blood Donor Month started in 1970 with a proclamation from President Richard Nixon. This is an effort to raise awareness and increase the number of blood donations during the winter. According to the Red Cross, the effort each January honors blood donors while inspiring new ones to help save lives nationwide.

Am I eligible to donate?

• Must be at least 16 years old in Ohio and most states to donate, according to the Red Cross
• You must weigh at least 110 pounds
• People can donate every 56 days, up to six times a year
• Must be in good health and feeling well

NBC4 WNCI Blood Give-in

NBC4 is partnering with WNCI and the American Red Cross with the annual blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The NBC4 WNCI Blood Give-in will be held at the Columbus Airport Marriott, located at 1375 N. Cassady Ave., Columbus, OH 43219 (just off Interstate 670). 

To schedule an appointment with the blood drive, follow this link. If you can't make it to this drive, you can find additional blood donation drives near you.

Other ways you can help during National Blood Donor Month are by holding your own drive, starting a virtual blood drive, donating, or becoming a volunteer.